Seventy-five years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier, the magnitude of Robinson’s accomplishment still felt fresh in the Rockies’ clubhouse at Coors Field on Friday.
While suiting up for Jackie Robinson Day with socks adorned with a swinging Robinson, commemorative logos on the jerseys and caps, custom tribute cleats and a Dodger blue No. 42 on every jersey, Colorado players paused for reflection on a day honoring the Hall of Famer and civil rights activist.
“It’s a celebration of the man who made this the greatest game in the world,” Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon said. “By breaking that barrier, (the modern game) has evolved to have truly the best players in the world, not just one specific race or color.