Each and every April 15, Major League Baseball (MLB) honors Jackie Robinson’s legacy with his beloved 42 jersey number worn by all. Yes, each MLB team takes the day to recognize how much baseball has changed since Robinson's debut in 1947! In solidarity, DPLL recognizes JACKIE ROBINSON WEEK (4/12-4/20)!
We have JACKIE ROBINSON STICKERS for our DPLL sluggers! Kids are welcome to place them on their water bottle or batting helmet! A big thanks to local company GRAPHIC INK for designing these stickers. Team Parents: please pick up your team stickers at concessions beginning Saturday morning (4/12).
This will also be DPLL's second year ceremoniously renaming our four primary baseball fields in honor of Jackie Robinson WEEK (4/12-4/20). This is our annual reminder that diversity only strengthens the game! Together with our commitment to offering scholarships, DPLL firmly believes that every kid deserves a little league experience.
MAJORS FIELD = Jackie Robinson Field
For nearly 60 years, baseball was played as a segregated (whites-only) sport. Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play baseball outside a racially segregated league on April 15, 1947.
MINORS FIELD = Roberto Clemente Field
In 1973, Roberto Clemente was the first Latin American player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He played 18 seasons in the Major Leagues. The Pirates retired his uniform number 21.
COAST FIELD = Masanori Murakami Field
In 1964, at age 20, Masanori Murakami was the first Japanese player in the Major Leagues. He pitched for the San Francisco Giants for one season. Today, there are more than 60 Japanese players in the MLB.
JUNIORS/CHALLENGERS FIELD = Jim Abbott Field
Jim Abbott was a first-round draft pick in 1989. He pitched in the MLB for 10 years and had a wicked 93mph fastball. Born without a right hand, Abbott is recognized as one of the most celebrated baseball players with a disability.
42 has been painted on our fields to recognize this incredible person that changed Baseball forever!