Jake Flaherty, Fernando Tatis Jr. & other MLB stars reflect on Jackie Robinson Day
MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson Day on April 15 every year to commemorate the icon's major league debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
Although he wasn't the first person of color to play for a major league squad, he was the first in the game's modern era and is renowned for breaking the color barrier.
Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty, Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr., Royals captain Salvador Perez, and Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen were among those who shared what this day means for them.
Flaherty shared a powerful quote that was originally said by Robinson.
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."
Tatis, meanwhile, lauded Jackie Robinson's ability to handle challenges with tact and grace.
"He means courage and strength to go face real pressure. A symbol of resilience and dignity that really show us how to face adversity with grace," Tatis said.
Salvador Perez not only praised the way Robinson handled himself as a player, but also for being the pioneer of inclusivity.
"I'm very appreciative that Jackie paved the way for inclusion and diversity in baseball. He was an incredible player but more importantly humble and how hard he played the game."
Finally, Kenley Jensen, who holds the record for fourth-most saves in league history, shared what the day meant to him.
"Jackie Robinson Day is a powerful and meaningful day for me. It's a reminder of the incredible courage, determination and resilience Robinson displayed. His actions paved the way for so many players, including myself, to play the game we love."
Every season, the players and team personnel sport Robinson's famous No. 42 in Dodger blue to honor the baseball icon.
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leads moment of reflection on Jackie Robinson Day
Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was present at Dodger Stadium before the fixture between the champions and the Rockies to commemorate the great Jackie Robinson.
As a young man who grew up idolizing Robinson back in the day, Abdul-Jabbar had some choice words for the political climate in the country at present:
“Jackie had an idea of what we had to confront,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “We had to confront segregation. And in many ways, we’re still confronting it. But it’s worth it. And it certainly makes people respect us as a country when they see that there is some tension there, and good people are trying to do the right thing.”
The basketball legend's strong statement was in response to United States President Donald Trump's order to the National Park Services to erase references to the contributions connected to Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman, and other minority groups a month ago. It was then brought back a week ago after protests and backlash on social media unraveled during the incident.