Phillies celebrate Jackie Robinson Day in West Philly and on the field

On Wednesday, April 15, the Phillies joined Major League Baseball in celebrating Jackie Robinson Day. That morning, the team took part in a Jackie Robinson Day Celebration at Miller Parker Philadelphia Stars Negro League Memorial Park in West Philadelphia. The free, outdoor event celebrated Robinson and the Philadelphia Stars, with special appearances by the Phillie Phanatic and Phillies ambassadors Milt Thompson, Dickie Noles and Mickey Morandini. Additional highlights included major renovation announcements planned for the park this year, as well as the unveil of a new design for the reimagined Philadelphia Stars Negro League Baseball mural, created in collaboration with artist David McShane and West Parkside community leaders.

Later, at that night’s game vs. the Chicago Cubs, Ron Duckett, son of the late Mahlon Duckett, who was the last surviving Philadelphia Stars player until his passing in 2015, threw out a ceremonial first pitch as part of the on-field Jackie Robinson Day celebrations.