Jackie Robinson Day is a bridge for MLB and Negro League conversations

Bob Kendrick believes Major League Baseball has kept Jackie Robinson’s legacy at the forefront by celebrating every April 15. Jackie Robinson Day, now an annual MLB commemoration, saw its introduction to the league in 2004.Kendrick, the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, has watched MLB observe the day by having all players, managers and umpires wear Robinson’s No. 42, which is retired across the league. There are replica jerseys of the former Brooklyn Dodgers pioneer who broke the MLB color line 79 years ago. Player hats featuring a Robinson-themed patch are available for retail. There are even Robinson-themed sneakers.Advertisement