Much like the next fan, I love opening day; it is synonymous with a positive beginning.
As great as that day is, I don’t feel that it takes the pennant when it comes to significant days in baseball.
The only day more important during the season is Jackie Robinson day.
As a young boy growing up in a Giants-run household with deep San Francisco roots, I learned that only one thing was as important as the game itself. And that was a hate for the Dodgers. ?And I have typically followed that rule with one exception: The 1947-1956 Brooklyn Dodgers.
Growing up I never understood the impact of Jackie Robinson’s career simply because as a child the concept of racism was lost on me. But it didn’t lessen the fact that he was and is my favorite player for the simple fact that he impacted the game of baseball more than any other player.
I was in awe of one person opening the door for not just cultures and people at the time, but for the future of anyone looking to make it to the “bigs.”
Robinson’s impact touched more than baseball, his career opened doors in all sports. The influence reached the nation that was and is sports.
But to have an entire league come together to celebrate a legend like that is what makes it a special day.
Not many sports in today’s world can say they have a day in their sport that is bigger than a game that spans across centuries.
The first homage to the first ballot Hall of Fame member came in 2004 when Commissioner Bud Selig stated that April 15 would be Jackie Robinson Day throughout the league. It wasn’t until the following year that it was a celebration from season-to-season.
Ken Griffey Jr. added to the tradition in 2007 when he wore Robinson’s number 42 after receiving permission from Robinson’s wife, Rachel, (which was retired throughout baseball) and soon after became a league-wide celebration.
Whether you agree with teams wearing the iconic number or not, the festivities bring fans and players from all corners of the country together.
Robinson’s career had a significant impact on not only the game of baseball but also the lives of fans and players.
The man who made stealing home plate an accomplishment and not just a thought, was an activist and an ambassador for the future of the game with dreams like seeing African-American managers on the field and in the dugouts.
And that was what he hoped his legacy would become, not just numbers and championships, but giving opportunities to others and most importantly respecting every human being no matter who they are.
It’s like Jackie once said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”