Major League Baseball to Celebrate Jackie Robinson

The 60th anniversary of the MLB debut of Jackie Robinson is coming this weekend on April 15th. To honor this, over 150 players and five teams in the Major League Baseball are going to be wearing the number 42 in Robinson's honor.

The idea started with Ken Griffey Jr., who asked commissioner Bud Selig for permission to wear number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day. The number has been retired by Major League Baseball since the 50th anniversary of Robinson's debut back on April 15th, 1997. Bud Selig must have like the sounds of Griffey's idea because he has extended the invitation to every club in baseball.

" If it weren't for Jackie Robinson, I wouldn't be able to put on the uniform I'm wearing today," Griffey said. "He should be an inspiration not only to baseball players but to anyone who fights prejudice and hatred."

A total of 150 players and five different clubs are signed up to wear number 42 this weekend. The five teams are the Lose Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Not all Major League players are comfortable with Selig's decision. Tori Hunter, outfielder for the Minnesota Twins, told the USA Today, "This is supposed to be an honor and just a handful of guys wearing the number. Now you've got entire teams doing it. I think we're killing the meaning. It should be special wearing Jackie's number, not just because it looks cool."

Other players have chimed in with their take. C.C. Sabathia, pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, said, It kind of waters it down. I could see the Dodgers since that was his team, but not everyone else." Outfielder Garret Anderson of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim said "I just don't feel I'm worthy of it."

Robinson made his Major League Baseball debut back on April 15th, 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson was harassed from the day he arrived in the league until the day he left. His first season was filled with verbal abuse from teammates, opponents, and the crowd. Some players on his own team said they would quit if they had to play with a black men. The management told them they could find other employment if they wished but Jackie began to earn their respect with his play. He was a .311 career hitter and was an amazing base stealer.

All 15 games being played on April 15th will have some kind of ceremony to honor Jackie Robinson. Jackie Robinson Day's national celebration will begin at 8:00 prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Sad Diego Padres game. The action can all be seen on ESPN.

Sources: MLB.com, ESPN, USA Today