Jackie Robinson Day resonates with Dodgers

SAN FRANCISCO -- Paul Maholm is one of the newest Dodgers, but he appreciates the franchise's legacy, especially when it comes to Jackie Robinson.

"Obviously he was a pioneer for moving baseball forward," Maholm said before the Dodgers' Tuesday night game with the Giants on Jackie Robinson Day.

"And what he endured in his career, when you look at it, it's amazing how he put everything aside to become an amazing player. And he opened doors for a lot of people to come into baseball."

Manager Don Mattingly said Jackie Robinson Day is a "big day for all of baseball. And I look at it as extra special for this organization because he played for us and is tied so closely to the organization. It's a pretty cool feeling."

Back in Los Angeles, the Dodgers commemorated Jackie Robinson Day at Dodger Stadium with a series of events.

It started with a youth baseball clinic for 120 youngsters from South Los Angeles' Challengers Boys & Girls Club. The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation hosted 30 Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars and alumni.

The Dodgers' game-worn Jackie Robinson Day jerseys will be auctioned at a later date to benefit LADF and the Jackie Robinson Scholars.