Major League Baseball (MLB), in collaboration with the Jackie Robinson Foundation, all 30 MLB clubs, and a variety of partners, will commemorate Jackie Robinson Day 2025 with a unified, powerful tribute to the enduring legacy of the man who broke baseball’s color barrier. As part of its MLB Together platform, the league will roll out a wide array of initiatives designed to celebrate Robinson’s impact on the game and on American society at large.
In what has become one of baseball’s most powerful annual traditions, all players, coaches, managers, and umpires will wear Robinson’s iconic number 42, this year in Dodger blue, regardless of team affiliation or color scheme. This visual show of solidarity honors Robinson’s groundbreaking debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947—78 years ago today.
New Era caps will feature a special “42” logo on the side, while Nike “Breaking Barriers” T-shirts will be worn during batting practice. Players will also sport royal blue Stance socks, specially designed for the occasion. Ballparks across the country will use commemorative base jewels and lineup cards, emphasizing the league-wide significance of the day.
Fans attending games today can expect a heartfelt tribute video produced by MLB Network, featuring broadcaster and softball icon AJ Andrews. The video will also stream on MLB.com, MLB.TV, and across MLB’s social media platforms, ensuring the celebration reaches millions across the globe.
Jackie Robinson Day was officially introduced in 2004 to commemorate the date of his major league debut. Robinson’s arrival in Major League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers marked the end of baseball’s segregation era, famously referred to as the “color barrier.” Robinson endured unspeakable discrimination with dignity and courage, forever changing not only the sport but the national conversation on race and equality.
In 1997, MLB retired Robinson’s number 42 across all teams—a historic honor. The legacy of his courage and excellence continues to grow each year, not only through this annual celebration but through the ongoing work of the Jackie Robinson Foundation and the MLB Together platform, which promotes diversity, inclusion, and community development throughout the game.
Fans looking to support the cause and honor Jackie Robinson can purchase exclusive Jackie Robinson Day merchandise, including jerseys, socks, and caps, with proceeds supporting related foundations and youth outreach programs.
As MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred put it, “Jackie Robinson’s legacy is not just about breaking barriers in baseball—it’s about reshaping our country’s view of what equality and opportunity truly mean.”
On this day each year, baseball does more than remember its past—it recommits to building a more inclusive future.
For more details on Jackie Robinson Day 2025 and to explore year-round initiatives, visit MLBTogether.com.
