the National Mall is 60 percent underground, and it opened to the public on Sep. 24. File photo by Pat Benic/UPI" width="800" height="536" />the National Mall is 60 percent underground, and it opened to the public on Sep. 24. File photo by Pat Benic/UPI" width="800" height="536" />
1 of 2 | A sculpture of Jackie Robinson is part of the sports exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NCAAHC) on Sep. 14 in Washington, DC. The 400,000 square-foot museum on the National Mall is 60 percent underground, and it opened to the public on Sep. 24. File photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- More than 750 Major League Baseball players will sport Jackie Robinson's iconic No. 42 Saturday to remember the baseball pioneer.
While many players will sport the special threads, and some even paid homage to Robinson by wearing similar clothes for his era before they suited up, MLB chose to summon his words.
AdvertisementThe league posted a video featuring Robinson's Hall of Fame speech from 1962.
Robinson broke baseball's color barrier on April 15, 1947 when he walked onto Ebbets Field in Brooklyn for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He fought through racism at home and on the road en route to becoming one of the most legendary figures in the history of global athletics.
Robinson was the Rookie of the Year that season after hitting .297 with 12 home runs and 29 stolen bases. The six-time All-Star and 1949 MVP hit .311 with 137 home runs and 197 stolen bases in his 10-year career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962.
AdvertisementRobinson was humble every time he stepped to the plate, even during his induction into Cooperstown.
Advertisement"Thank you very much, Mr. Frick," Robinson said in the speech. "First let me say how much of a thrill it is to be coming into the Hall of Fame with Bob Feller, Mr. McKechnie, and Mr. Roush. I want to also let you know that I feel quite inadequate here this afternoon, or this morning. But I think a lot of this has been eliminated, because today, it seems that everything is complete."
"First of all, I want you to know that this honor that was brought upon me here could not have happened without the great work and the advice and guidance that I've had from three of the most wonderful people that I know. And if any of them weren't here today, I know that this day could not be complete. But, they're all here and I just hope you don't mind if I just pay a word of thanks and a tribute to my advisor and a wonderful friend, a man who I consider a father, Mr. Branch Rickey."
"And my mother, who taught me so much of the important things early in life. I appreciate no end, my mother Mrs. Robinson. And lastly, ladies and gentlemen, my wife, who has been such a wonderful inspiration to me. And the person who has guided and advised me throughout our entire marriage. I couldn't have been here today without her help."
"And then I. and I must thank the baseball writers. I never thought at all that I would have this wonderful honor coming to me so early in my lifetime. And to have the writers to elect me on the first time is a thrill that I shall never forget. We have been up in cloud nine since the election. I don't ever think I'll come down. But I want to thank all of the people throughout this country who were just so wonderful during those trying days. I appreciate it at no end and it's the greatest honor any person could have and I only hope that I'll be able to live up to this tremendously fine honor. It's something that I think those of us who are fortunate again, must use in order to help others. Because it's such a tremendous honor that we should be able to go out and do things to help. I'm just grateful and I'm sorry I've taken so long, but I just wanted you to know that I appreciate it so much. Thank you." Advertisement
Robinson died at 53-years-old in Stamford, Conn. He is buried at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn.
