On April 15, 1947, 75 years ago, Jackie Robinson stepped onto Ebbets Field as a Brooklyn Dodger, changing baseball – and changing the course of history. He chose to stand for equality, and to use his gifts to break barriers and build bridges on and off the field. His commitment to equal opportunity and social justice served as a catalyst, igniting a movement that impacted the entire nation inspiring courage and conviction in those who followed.
And 75 years later his legacy lives on. Since 1973, the Jackie Robinson Foundation has provided educational opportunities to talented college students who go on to become leaders in the workplace and in their communities – advancing the realization of first-class citizenship for all. Learn more about the JRF Scholarship Program and JRF IMPACT.
We will open The Jackie Robinson Museum in July of this anniversary year of his barrier breaking act of courage. The Museum will expand the Foundation’s mission, educating and inspiring visitors around Jackie Robinson’s heroism on the playing field and through his prolific efforts on behalf of civil rights and social justice. Learn more about The Jackie Robinson Museum.
In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Jackie’s barrier breaking act of courage, several special initiatives have been planned:
MLB Charities Online Auctions
Own a piece of baseball history today! Pay tribute to Jackie Robinson’s legacy and take home a 2022 Jackie Robinson Day Team Autographed 42 Jersey.
Bid on your favorite team today! All net proceeds benefit the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Scan QR code or click here to bid on a jersey
Major League Baseball
In coordination with the Robinson Family, MLB Clubs and various partners, Major League Baseball is introducing a host of new and refreshed tributes to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s historic MLB debut on April 15, 1947 as he broke baseball’s color barrier and began to change our society forever.
MLBPA – Players Unions Joint Statement
Players unions join today to honor Jackie Robinson, multi-sport athlete, trailblazer & American icon. In the effort to perpetuate Jackie’s legacy and bring about real change, we recommit ourselves to the quest for equality he so courageously pursued.
We pause today to honor Jackie Robinson, who changed American history and altered the landscape of sports and society when he broke the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.
On this, the 75th anniversary of Jackie’s debut, it’s clear that the inclusion of Black athletes has raised the quality of play on the field. But in too many cases – in front offices, board rooms and other areas of influence on and off the field – progress has been sparing and the struggle for social justice, equality and opportunity endures.
The courage and perseverance that Jackie Robinson displayed with his groundbreaking achievement should inspire us all to recommit ourselves to the quest for diversity, inclusion and equality in all occupations and walks of life. That includes the right for workers to earn a wage and benefits that provide for dignity and respect when their work is done.
“The right of every American to first-class citizenship is the most important issue of our time,” Jackie Robinson once said. A true commitment to honoring Jackie’s legacy will help make those words a reality.
Candy Digital
Candy Digital and the Jackie Robinson Foundation partnered to develop the first ever NFT collection for Jackie Robinson to commemorate his courage and many contributions to society around the 75th anniversary of him breaking MLB’s color barrier. 100% of the net proceeds from sales of on Candy Digital’s primary marketplace will be donated to the JRF to support the JRF’s celebrated scholarship program. The Jackie Robinson Collection will be available on Candy Digital’s primary marketplace from April 14 at 9:00 AM ET until April 18 at 7:00 PM ET. It will consist of a Jackie Robinson Gold Bust (1-of-1 edition), Silver Bust (100 of these will be produced, each available for $250), and a Signed Baseball NFT (available for $75).
Capital One
Capital One is excited to work in tandem with MLB to extend the Capital One Impact Initiative, a multiyear commitment to tackling the underlying issues that hamper progress and create disproportionate outcomes for communities of color.
To begin, Capital One is partnering with the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Capital One will commemorate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier by donating $1,000 to the Foundation for each “Capital One Walk-Off” (game-winning play) this year, committing to a minimum total donation of $250,000 for the season.
Sony Interactive Entertainment
For the 75th anniversary we wanted to make this year’s celebration extra special. In partnership with the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Sony Interactive Entertainment, The Players Association and Major League Baseball.
From April 15th 2022 through April 29th only on US digital platform stores (PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store and Nintendo E Shop) where MLB The Show is sold. You can purchase the Jackie Robinson Foundation Pack ($4.99 USD). Sony Interactive Entertainment and San Diego Studio will donate 100% of the proceeds* from this pack after store platform fee deductions are applied to the Jackie Robinson Foundation. These donations will support the JRF/PlayStation-MLB The Show Scholars Program to help reduce the achievement gap in higher education. This is in addition to the $1 donation Sony Interactive Entertainment and San Diego Studio will be making to the foundation for every collector’s edition sold of MLB The Show 22 in the US until December 31, 2022.
*PlayStation will donate 100% of the proceeds (minimum of $3.49 USD per pack sold will be donated. See console’s online stores for details) to the Jackie Robinson Foundation after store platform fee deductions are applied.
Chock Full o'Nuts
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) and Chock full o’Nuts® coffee, in a partnership developed by IMG, announced a collaboration to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day and his historic first home run over racial inequity. To mark the occasion, Chock full o’Nuts® is launching three sizes of limited-edition Jackie Robinson Chock full o’Nuts® coffee cans in stores and online, hitting shelves in April 2022, with a portion of the proceeds from each purchase being donated to the JRF.
Upon retiring from baseball, Robinson made history again when William Black, founder of Chock full o’Nuts®, tapped him to become an executive at the New York-based coffee company. The iconic black, red, and yellow packaging of Chock full o’Nuts® coffee products will feature a special design incorporating photos of Robinson both as an athlete and while he served as vice president of personnel from 1957 until 1964.
Click here to find a retailer that carries the Chock full o’Nuts® coffee brand
Jackie Robinson Park
1st Annual Jackie Robinson Day at Jackie Robinson Park
April 15, 2:00PM-9:30PM
Harlem’s historic Jackie Robinson Park is hosting its first annual Jackie Robinson Day celebration and will feature the Jackie Robinson Museum as one of the participating community partners. Find the Jackie Robinson Museum tables on the bandshell plaza with games, art-making activities, giveaways, and more! This event is free and open to all.
