LIVE: 2 Jackie Robinson Day games FREE on Apple TV+
Friday, April 15 marks the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s historic Major League Baseball (MLB) debut. “Friday Night Baseball” on Apple TV+ will present exclusive coverage of two exciting matchups, along with special coverage of the celebrations and ceremonies commemorating Robinson’s impact on baseball and beyond.
Game coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET with reigning American League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Randy Arozarena and the Tampa Bay Rays visiting All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson and the Chicago White Sox. Melanie Newman (play-by-play), Chris Young (analyst), Hannah Keyser (analyst), and Brooke Fletcher (reporter) will call the action from the Southside of Chicago.
• Rays vs. White Sox, 7 p.m. ET on Apple TV+
• Reds vs. Dodgers, 10 p.m. ET on Apple TV+
At 10 p.m. ET, Robinson’s MLB franchise, the Los Angeles Dodgers, host last season’s National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Jonathan India and the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. Stephen Nelson (play-by-play), Hunter Pence (analyst), Katie Nolan (analyst), and Heidi Watney (reporter) will have the call. Pre and postgame coverage of “Friday Night Baseball” is hosted by Lauren Gardner featuring analyst Yonder Alonso. This week’s “Friday Night Baseball” coverage will feature a special pregame interview with Dodgers All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts.
“Friday Night Baseball” will highlight the special tributes to Robinson around the League and feature extensive coverage of the special ceremonies planned at Dodger Stadium that include special guests, performances, and dedications beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET. Players, managers, coaches, umpires, and all on-field personnel will wear Robinson’s iconic number 42 during all MLB games on Friday.
In honor of Jackie Robinson Day and Jackie Robinson’s trailblazing efforts to advance social justice, Apple is proud to support the Jackie Robinson Foundation and its work to expand access to education through its scholars program.
In addition, Apple Retail locations in the US and Canada will stream both “Friday Night Baseball” games live tomorrow. In Los Angeles, the Apple Tower Theatre marquee will feature one of Jackie Robinson’s most iconic quotes: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
In Apple Maps, users can explore notable locations and details from Robinson’s life, including his birthplace in Southwest Georgia, Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field where Robinson made his MLB debut, the national Baseball Hall of Fame where Robinson was inducted in 1962, and more in a new Guide from Smithsonian.
In Apple Music, fans can find exclusive playlists of batters’ walk-up songs from teams featured on “Friday Night Baseball” games — including the Tampa Bay Rays, the Chicago White Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Cincinnati Reds this week — as well as a collection of classic songs celebrating baseball.
Scheduled games are available to anyone with internet access, for free, only on Apple TV+. Users can find step-by-step instructions to access “Friday Night Baseball” across devices.
Fans can access “Friday Night Baseball” games and additional content, including new exclusive programs such as “Countdown to First Pitch” and “MLB Daily Recap,” only in the Apple TV app.
“Friday Night Baseball” games will be available to anyone with internet access across devices where Apple TV+ can be found, including on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K and HD, and on tv.apple.com, along with smart TVs, gaming consoles, and cable set-top boxes. “Friday NightBaseball” will be available on Apple TV+ in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, and for a limited time, without the need for a subscription.