Robinson Day very special for Giants coach Dunston

SAN FRANCISCO -- With a son having embarked upon a professional baseball career, Giants coach Shawon Dunston has made him aware of Jackie Robinson's enduring impact.

"If it weren't for Jackie Robinson, I wouldn't be in this clubhouse and living the way I'm living," Dunston said Sunday. "I always [tell] that to my son, that Jackie came before us. What he did was a beautiful thing and we live well because of Jackie Robinson."

Dunston's son, Shawon Jr., is an outfielder for the Cubs' Class A Advanced Kane County affiliate.

Dunston recalled expressing his gratitude to Robinson's widow, Rachel, and daughter, Sharon, when he met them as a member of the Giants during the 2002 World Series.

The Giants will join the other 29 big league clubs Tuesday in honoring Robinson, the African-American who broke baseball's color line. All players and coaches will wear jerseys with No. 42, Robinson's number that has been retired across Major League Baseball.