This Jackie Robinson Day will be unlike any other. April 15 is one of Major League Baseball’s banner days as they celebrate Jackie Robinson Day — the anniversary in which the Hall of Famer broke the league’s color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Annual Tributes include pregame ceremonies along with everyone in the league wearing 42 for that day. Last player who was able to wear 42 before it was officially retired on April 15th 1997, was Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees. In 2004 Commissioner Bud Selig declared April 15th “Jackie Robinson” Day.

“All Jackie Robinson Day activities will be virtual in nature, centering on social media and online platforms to underscore the importance of staying safe and healthy at home,” MLB released in a statement on Tuesday. “Designed to engage and educate fans about Robinson’s enduring legacy, efforts will incorporate MLB partners, MLB Clubs, Major League players, and youth baseball & softball players.”

Stepping onto the baseball diamond at Ebbets Field 73 years ago Jackie Robinson became the 1st African American Player to participate in a regular season Major League Baseball Game since Moses Fleetworrd Walker of the Toledo Blue Stocking in 1884. After Fleetwood made an appearance the now notorious " gentleman's agreement " black players were barred from the majors.

Robinson played 10 MLB seasons, was a 6 time all star, with Rookie of the Year honors in 1947, and adding a batting championship to his resume in 1949. Along with the batting title in 49, Robinson also won the National League MVP. He helped carry the Brooklyn Dodgers to 6 League Pennants and 1 World Series Title in 1955, 12 years after his first season in the majors.

Each of the 30 teams in the league will have exclusive Jackie Robinson related content on their sites commemorating their connection to Robinson over the years.
MLB Network will have 12 hours of Jackie Robinson related programing. Along with that, The Jackie Robinson Foundation will launch the new "Jackie Robinson Day Virtual Learning Hub" that will provide educational programing for educators and parents for k-12 students at JRLegacy.org.