Dodgers' Jackie Robinson Day tradition grows stronger

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LOS ANGELES -- Taking a trip to the Jackie Robinson statue in the center field plaza has become one of the most powerful annual traditions at Dodger Stadium on April 15, the day when all of Major League Baseball honors the life of the man who broke the color barrier in the Majors.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Dodgers' players and staff members made the walk to the Robinson statue sporting their full uniform, all of which featured the historic No. 42.

“All we talk about with the Dodgers is doing something that’s bigger than ourselves,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "There’s no better person that exemplified that than Jackie Robinson. He had a big burden in his life to be a professional baseball player, taking on all the negativity and hate toward him, his wife, his kids and still persevere.”

When the Dodgers honored Robinson at his statue last year, they were joined by the Cubs' roster. This year, the Nationals took full advantage of the opportunity, becoming the second opposing team to take part in the festivities before opening a three-game series against the Dodgers on Monday night.

“It’s special,” said Nationals pitcher, and former Dodger, Josiah Gray. “With everything that they had with the ceremony earlier, seeing both teams unite and hearing some good words from a couple of different speakers, it was really cool to see that. I think it’s a really important day, and especially for us to be here in L.A. I think it means a lot for myself personally, and a lot of the guys in the clubhouse.”

The ceremony started with Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman introducing a group of young Black Americans who were honored by the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which works in conjunction with the Dodgers.

Quick speeches from Nationals manager Davey Martinez and Roberts followed. And in a wrinkle this year, the Dodgers brought in retired 17-year big leaguer Reggie Smith to address both teams. Dr. Harry Edwards, a sociologist and civil rights activist, also delivered a powerful speech to both teams.

“This is truly amazing,” Martinez said. “I can’t say enough about what Jackie Robinson has meant not only to the Black community, but the Hispanic community as well. He opened the door for many, many great players. He really did. He changed the lives of many, including myself. I don’t know if I would be here if it wasn’t for Jackie. My idol, Roberto Clemente, definitely wouldn’t have been here. He exemplifies what it means to have strength, courage and passion.”

The celebration of Robinson’s life continued as the game went on as his highlights and what he represented were played all throughout Monday’s contest. But perhaps the best moment came before first pitch when Dodgers players and staff made a video message for Rachel Robinson, who will turn 102 years old in July.

“It's a great day … I think that we're starting to establish a pretty cool tradition of players. And [it's nice] to get them together in front of Jackie statue and just have a little bit of time to reflect and go back years and understand impact, legacy and responsibility to us,” Roberts said.