Pirates to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day on Monday
PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates will join Major League Baseball's celebration of Jackie Robinson Day when they meet the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night at PNC Park.
Each Pirates player will take the field wearing Robinson's iconic uniform No. 42. In 1997, under the direction of Commissioner Bud Selig, Robinson's No. 42 was retired across all of Major League Baseball in an unprecedented tribute. One jersey will be autographed by every player and coach and auctioned off to benefit The Jackie Robinson Foundation.
The observance of Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier on April 15, 1947, is an annual tradition that never loses its significance to each new generation of players.
"It's definitely one of those things you take a lot of pride in, putting on that jersey," said Pittsburgh center fielder Andrew McCutchen. "What [Robinson] went through, stepping up and being that guy to take that important step … it's something we need to always remember."
Pre-game ceremonies will salute winners of the 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates Jackie Robinson Art, Essay and Poetry Contest.