Jackie Robinson MLB debut honored at Atlanta Braves host Youth tournament
April 11, 1947 Jackie Robinson made his debut in a Major League Baseball exhibition game and four days later officially broke the color barrier in baseball. This week, the 65th anniversary of Robinson’s accomplishments, the Atlanta Braves will host the Inaugural Jackie Robinson Youth Baseball Invitational.
The official Braves Press release states:
“…that inaugural Jackie Robinson Baseball Invitational this Saturday, April 14 at the Villages of Carver YMCA to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. The Braves have invited 16 teams ranging in age from 5-12 to honor Robinson’s legacy by competing against each other in a free tournament sponsored by Delta Air Lines.”
All of the participating teams will receive two complimentary tickets for Sunday’s game (Braves face the Milwaukee Brewers) and the Braves will recognize each team from the Jackie Robinson Invitational at Sunday’s game during a pre-game presentation.
April 15th is officially Jackie Robinson day and several ceremonies are scheduled throughout the league. Robinson’s uniform number, 42, was retired throughout the league in 1997. Last year a monument was placed at the Robinson’s house in Montreal to recognize the end of segregation in baseball.
Check out MLB’s official Jackie Robinson Day webpage here.
