By BOTWC Staff
On the 77th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s historic MLB debut, the New York Mets welcomed a special guest to Citi Field for their Jackie Robinson Day celebration: Rachel Robinson, Jackie’s widow, at the remarkable age of 101.
The Mets honored Mrs. Robinson with a heartfelt on-field ceremony. She received flowers while her grandson, David Robinson II, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Butch Huskey, the last Mets player to wear Jackie’s iconic No. 42 before it was permanently retired league-wide in 1997. Jackie’s son, David Robinson, was also present to celebrate the occasion.
According to David, Rachel continues to embody her husband’s legacy of perseverance. “She’s doing fantastic,” he shared, “and is truly the legacy of perseverance. All the grandchildren know her expression – ‘onward and upward.’”
April 15th marks Jackie Robinson Day across Major League Baseball. Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on this day in 1947 shattered baseball’s color barrier, forever changing the sport.
As a tribute, all players across the league wore No. 42 Dodgers jerseys on Monday, a powerful symbol of respect and recognition.
