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.
For Jackie Robinson Day at Citi Field, Carlos Mendoza & Mookie Wilson present flowers to 101-year-old Rachel Robinson, Jackie Robinson's wife ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VVGcttVKbR
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 15, 2024
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.
Busro Robinson, Jackie Robinson's grandson, throws out the first pitch to Butch Huskey pic.twitter.com/Axf6VxAbNZ
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 15, 2024
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.'”
Jackie Robinson's son, David Robinson, tells @SteveGelbs that 101-year-old Rachel Robinson is doing "fantastic" and is "the legacy of perseverance." pic.twitter.com/N0Kjn6k669
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 15, 2024advertisement
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.
Cover photo: Rachel Robinson, Wife of Jackie Robinson, Honored on 77th Anniversary of Historic MLB DebutPhoto Credit: Getty Images