ARLINGTON -- Friday was a rewarding night for the Orioles not only for their heavy-hitting comeback win over the Rangers, but for the fact they did it on Jackie Robinson Day, all clad in the pioneering Hall of Famer's retired No. 42 jersey.
"The game wouldn't be what it is today without him," rookie leadoff man and left fielder Joey Rickard said after the 11-5 victory. "He was very courageous, very talented and a lot of guys are thankful for him. I think [wearing the special jerseys] is great. I think he was that big of a deal. Everybody that goes out there enjoys wearing his number on their back."
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Starting pitcher Vance Worley, who earned his first win as an Oriole, agreed.
"It's very special," Worley said. "There's a lot of history in this game and I'm very honored to being wearing the number out there, even if it's just for one day."
After the game, a rolling clothes rack sat in the hall of the Orioles clubhouse with the game-worn No. 42 jerseys hanging on it. Each jersey will be authenticated, autographed, and auctioned at www.orioles.com/auction to benefit the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation and the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
The auction concludes Friday, April 22, at 10 p.m. ET. Since 2009, the Orioles have raised more than $70,000 for the Jackie Robinson Foundation through the online jersey auction.