Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black: Jackie Robinson an “icon”

On Friday, the Colorado Rockies joined Major League Baseball in the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier.

Since 2004, MLB has established “Jackie Robinson Day” to honor Robinson’s impact on baseball and American society through his trailblazing baseball accomplishments and his efforts as an advocate for civil rights and equality.

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black reflected on the importance of Jackie Robinson Day on Friday.

During his pregame press conference before Friday night’s Colorado-Chicago contest, Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black reflected on what this special day means to him.

“This (day) recognizes a man who has been an icon, for not only baseball, but society, for culture,” Black said.

“What he did with Branch Rickey when Branch Rickey brought him into the big leagues, it is historic. I think it has affected so many people across our nation and internationally. So, it was a huge movement and still is today.”

This was the first year since 2012 that Colorado has celebrated Jackie Robinson Day at home as in 2021, the Rockies faced the Dodgers in Dodger Stadium. In 2020, it wasn’t celebrated due to the pandemic but in 2018 and 2019, the Rockies were in Washington, D.C. to face the Washington Nationals and in San Diego to face the San Diego Padres.

The occasion was marked Friday with Rockies players, along with players from the rest of MLB, wearing the number “42” in Dodger Blue, a commemorative 75th-anniversary logo sleeve patch and a “42” cap patch. The “42” being in Dodger Blue was a new addition for this season.

In addition, before the start of Friday’s game, a ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Jackie Robinson Scholar KyLee Duley, of Parker, Colorado.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship is a four-year scholarship awarded to students who demonstrate a record of academic excellence, leadership potential, and a dedication to community service.