On the 75th anniversary of legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson’s debut, when he broke the sport’s color barrier and diversified the game for all, multiple players will donate their salaries to a nonprofit.
The Players Alliance is a nonprofit organization formed by former and current members of the MLB Players Association. Major Leaguers who have already committed to donating their full or partial game-day salary for today’s game include Aaron Hicks, Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas, David Price and Jason Heyward.
The move comes on the same day as other honors to Jackie Robinson have taken place, including a temporary renaming of 42nd Street and Broadway in Manhattan to “Jackie Robinson Way.” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke at the event, with various other former and current Major Leaguers at his side.
75 years ago today, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play Major League Baseball.
Today, we honor his legacy. #JackieRobinsonDay pic.twitter.com/K7JXnksN64
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 15, 2022
“Baseball did not truly become the national pastime until Jackie, and those who followed him, integrated our sport,” said Manfred. “Jackie’s courage was a beacon for much-needed change, both for our game and for our society.
Black players currently make up about 7% of the league, down from 20% in the 1980s. The donated money will aid in investing in struggling urban and rural baseball teams. The Players Alliance is hoping that these donations will promote further diversity within the sport by funding local teams and thus giving young players more chances to play.
“There is a sacred brotherhood in baseball,” former pitcher, Players Alliance Board Member, and newly-appointed Special Assistant to the Commissioner CC Sabathia said. “It’s important to all of us that there’s representation from more of us.”
.@Lindor12BC came ready for Jackie Robinson Day. #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/D5uYY3xY1Y
— Cut4 (@Cut4) April 15, 2022
“Players sacrifice their pay because they believe that diversity is an asset that should be actively pursued,” Players Alliance Board Chair and former MLB outfielder Curtis Granderson said. “Our supporters reflect every racial, religious and professional level found in the sport and they are committed to upholding Jackie’s legacy by breaking today’s barriers.”
On a day where a legend is remembered, when all players on all teams around the league don the number 42, these generous actions will only further elevate the groundbreaking actions of Jackie Robinson and promote diversity within the great game of baseball, and sports alike.
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