Overview

• Major League Baseball celebrated Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, 2025, marking the 78th anniversary of Robinson breaking the sport’s color barrier in 1947.
• All players, managers, and umpires wore Robinson’s universally retired No. 42, continuing a tradition that began in 2009 to honor his legacy.
• Recent controversies regarding the removal and subsequent restoration of Robinson’s military service details on a Department of Defense website have reignited discussions about diversity and inclusion policies.
• Robinson’s legacy as a civil rights icon remains central to MLB’s efforts, though criticism persists over the lack of Black representation in league leadership roles, with only one Black general manager and two Black managers currently in MLB.
• Events included tributes at Dodger Stadium with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar addressing attendees, and Commissioner Rob Manfred joining Robinson’s family at the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York.