Chris Archer Implores MLB to Bring Back Jackie Robinson "42" Jerseys Whenever Season Begins
By Michael Luciano
Today is April 15, the same day that Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play in a Major League Baseball game in 1947. While retiring his No. 42 throughout all of baseball is already a pretty cool way of honoring him, the league also makes every player in the league wear No. 42 on April 15 to honor Robinson's life, legacy and impact.
While the coronavirus pandemic has forced MLB games scheduled for today to be either postponed or cancelled, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Chris Archer is vouching for the MLB to reschedule the league-wide No. 42 tribute to a later date.
Dear @MLB,
— Chris Archer (@ChrisArcher22) April 15, 2020
If/when the season starts back can we have a day where we all wear number 42? It’s my fav alternate jersey of the year. Pretty please ? ??????
One possible day that makes a lot of sense is July 12, the date of Robinson's first All-Star Game.
The 1949 All-Star Game was the first to allow black players, and Robinson was selected to the Midsummer Classic during his MVP season.
July 12, first ASG that allowed black players. Jackie made it during MVP season in 49 https://t.co/JoBf3n12zc
— Mike Luciano (@TheRealLuc3) April 15, 2020
Every player wearing Robinson's No. 42 is one of the coolest traditions on the baseball calendar, and the league shouldn't let a pandemic prevent them from honoring one of the most important figures in the history of the game.