NEW YORK, April 12 – Major League players will commemorate the day Jackie Robinson shattered the color barrier by making a $100,000 grant to the Jackie Robinson Foundation in honor of the 100th anniversary of Jackie’s birth.

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Known since 2004 as Jackie Robinson Day throughout Major League Baseball, Monday, April 15, will mark the 72st anniversary of Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, which changed forever the game’s landscape as well as its place in our nation’s integration. In recognition, all players wear Jackie’s No. 42 on this day.

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“Jackie Robinson’s contributions transcend baseball,” MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark said. “They represent a permanent, indelible part of American history, one in which all players and future players can take pride and inspiration.”

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This marks the fourth year the Players Trust, the collective charity of Major League players, has provided a grant to support JRF’s celebrated college scholarship program. The Trust’s contribution funded a JRF/ Players Trust Scholar and provided additional funds allowing JRF to expand its vital programs. Since 2019 also marks the 100th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s birth, the Players Trust this year increased its grant to JRF to $100,000.

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“Amber and I have seen firsthand the work that the Jackie Robinson Foundation does in the community and are honored to be a part of such a special donation that is so close to our hearts,” Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia said. “Through our own foundation, PitCCh In, we were able to meet our JRF scholar after she graduated from college which was a true testament to the amazing work they do. From start to finish, the JRF gives students the tools needed to succeed. We thank the Players Trust for allowing us to be part of their efforts in aiding the youth of tomorrow.”

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Robinson paved the way for other minority players and his passion and determination inspired others to challenge the status quo. For the past 46 years, the Jackie Robinson Foundation has continued Jackie’s commitment to equal opportunity by addressing the achievement gap in higher education.

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“We could not be more grateful for the ongoing generosity of the Players Trust. And it’s overwhelming to receive an especially generous gift this year, as we celebrate the centennial,” said Della Britton, president and CEO of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. “Tony and the MLBPA have also been such engaged partners of JRF, helping us provide career mentoring to our Scholars, who have been hosted at the Trust offices to learn about its operations and to meet Trust executives and players. This MLBPA clearly embraces our namesake’s commitment to having a positive impact. We are truly proud to be among those many worthy causes the MLBPA supports.”

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Founded in 1973 by Rachel Robinson, the Foundation has advanced higher education by providing generous, multi-year scholarship awards coupled with a comprehensive set of support services to highly motivated JRF Scholars and Extra Innings Fellows attending colleges and universities throughout the country.

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About the Players Trust

Through the Players Trust, Major Leaguers contribute their time, money and celebrity to call attention to

important causes. Each year the Players Trust distributes more than $1.5 million in annual grants and programs.

For additional information, please visit www.PlayersTrust.org. Follow the Trust on Twitter (@MLBPlayersTrust)

and Instagram (mlbplayerstrust).

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About the Jackie Robinson Foundation

The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is a public, non-profit organization that perpetuates the memory of Jackie

Robinson by giving a four-year scholarship in his name and providing leadership development for minority college

students as well as through building the Jackie Robinson Museum. The museum will commemorate the life of

Jackie Robinson as an athlete, activist and icon, illuminating his long-lasting impact across society through state-of-

the-art exhibits, precious artifacts, film and other media. The National Jackie Robinson Museum Legacy

Campaign has raised over $25 million, with the museum set to open in Lower Manhattan in 2019.

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Robinson paved the way for other minority players and his passion and determination inspired others to challenge the status quo. For the past 46 years, the Jackie Robinson Foundation has continued Jackie’s commitment to equal opportunity by addressing the achievement gap in higher education.

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Founded in 1973 by Rachel Robinson, the Foundation has advanced higher education by providing generous, multi-year scholarship awards coupled with a comprehensive set of support services to highly motivated JRF Scholars and Extra Innings Fellows attending colleges and universities throughout the country.

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