New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - This Wednesday, for the first time ever, all Major League Baseball players, coaches and umpires will wear uniform No. 42 to honor the impact of Jackie Robinson. It was on April 15, 1947 when Robinson participated in his first major league game, breaking the color barrier in the sport. Robinson played first base that day for the Brooklyn Dodgers and went on to an illustrious career that included six All-Star appearances and the 1949 National League MVP. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1962. Last year, more than 330 players and on-field staff members wore No. 42. Commissioner Bud Selig requested that all on-field personnel wear the number Wednesday as a sign of unified, league-wide support. Since 2004, MLB has honored Robinson's legacy. The New York Mets will host a special Jackie Robinson Day celebration at Citi Field prior to their game against the San Diego Padres. The on-field ceremony will include Jackie's wife, Rachel Robinson, founder of the Jackie Robinson Foundation; and their daughter Sharon Robinson and son, David Robinson. "When Jack stepped foot on the field on April 15, 1947 and broke the color barrier in baseball, he became a catalyst for social change in America," said Rachel Robinson. "On behalf of our family and the Jackie Robinson Foundation, it remains an honor that Major League Baseball is ensuring that Jack's achievements - for baseball and society - will not be forgotten by future generations."
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