Jackie Robinson is probably the most honored player from the Negro Leagues, due to his being the first black player to enter Major League Baseball (1947-1957 Brooklyn Dodgers). Memorabilia ranges from his rookie baseball cards (1948 Bowman and 1948-49 Leaf), programs, comic books, magazines and books, photos, buttons (the yellow border button from my collection) and many other items still being produced.
Major League Baseball honored Robinson by retiring his number from all major league teams on April 15, 1997...On the 60th anniversary of Robinson entering the MLB, Ken Griffey Jr requested of Robinson's widow Rachel if he could wear the number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day in his honor. The request was granted and extended to all players, which continues to this day.
I am in favor of honoring Jackie Robinson, I don't necessarily agree with every player wearing the number 42. My reasoning is there were many others in baseball who are not getting recognition. Larry Doby gets little mention as the first black to play in the American League, second to Robinson overall. MLB does not honor Native Americans, the first being Louis Socalexis playing in 1897 along with Chief Bender, Jim Thorpe, Zack Wheat and many others. The first Japanese player Masanori Murakami 1964, not followed until Hideo Nomo came in 1995. Esteban Bellan 1871 joined by a long list of players...
Citi Field honored Jackie Robinson by erected his number 42 in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda dedicated 2009. I have been to Citi Field twice (for a baseball game and a soccer game) and I think it is a great park, but I have to wonder why the number 42? Why not a statue or plaque?
I have to question why honor Robinson, when he did not play for the Mets, he played for the Dodgers. Why not honor other members of the Brooklyn Dodgers or the NY Giants, why are we selective in honoring one person? You may disagree, and I am not saying Robinson does not deserve the attention he receives, but let's honor all who are just as deserving. After a while honoring one individual can lose it's appeal and meaning...
In 2006 the US Congress designated May 20, 2006 as Negro League Baseball Day...
In 2006 the US Congress designated May 20, 2006 as Negro League Baseball Day...
2006 the Brewers honored both the Negro Leagues and Hispanic players with Negro Leagues Tribute day and Cerveceros Day...
May 30, 2009 Negro League Day at Kauffman Stadium (KC Royals v Chicago White Sox)
May 2010 Maryland initiates Negro League Day
June 12, 2011 the Frederick Keys celebrated Negro League Baseball by wearing the uniform of the Homestead Grays...
May 14, 2011, the Atlanta Braves giveaway an Atlanta Black Crackers baseball hat...
June 10, 2011 San Diego Padres Salute to the Negro Leagues...
July 9, 2011 Milwaukee Brewers Negro League night, players were Negro League uniforms...
July 15, 2011 Detroit Tigers Negro League weekend and 17th annual Negro League Tribute Game...
July 19, 2011 Buck O'Neill Centennial Celebration - KC Royals...
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