By Joe Byrnes / Central Florida Public Media
(Source Daytona Times):
A bipartisan bill introduced on April 15 would begin the process to make the Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach a National Historic Landmark.
Central Florida Congressmen Mike Waltz, a Republican, and Darren So-to, a Democrat, co-sponsored the bill. They timed it for Monday, April 15, also known as Jackie Robinson Day.
Waltz said the entire state delegation is supporting the legislation, which is called the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Commemorative Site Act.
Waltz also said Sen. Marco Rubio is introducing a Senate version.
The legislation honors the stadium where, in 1946, Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier and played his first game with the Montreal Royals, a minor league team affiliated with the Dodgers.
The next year Robinson put on No. 42 for the Dodgers and integrated Major League Baseball.
‘A great man’
Daytona Beach has a special part in preserving that history, Waltz said.
“That stadium up in New York no longer exists. And obviously, the Dodgers are now in LA. So this National Historic Landmark would be incredibly important, I think, for pre-serving and celebrating his legacy.”
Waltz said: “And from everything I’m hearing from the community, everyone’s over the moon. Jackie Robinson was not only just a great ballplayer, he was a great man. And we’re thrilled to be part of his legacy.”
That’s certainly the case for Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry.
In a text, he described the bill as “awesome news.”
Soto is “thrilled” to introduce a bill honoring Robinson’s legacy, he said in a prepared statement. “It’s a vital step towards preserving his historic contributions.”
If it becomes law, Waltz said the Department of Interior will begin “an extensive vetting process” for possible landmark status.
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