MLB notes: Astronaut honors Jackie Robinson from space
Jackie Robinson Day was celebrated even in space this year.
While Rachel Robinson, the player’s 92-year-old widow, and commissioner Rob Manfred honored Major League Baseball’s first black player in a ceremony at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night in conjunction with the annual Civil Rights Game, astronaut Terry Virts wore a Dodgers jersey with Robinson’s No. 42 along with a Brooklyn cap at the International Space Station orbiting the Earth.
Wednesday marked the 68th anniversary of Robinson breaking the major league color barrier. His former team, the Dodgers, announced they will erect a statue of him at their ballpark.
“I can remember reading a book about Jackie when I was in the first grade,” Virts said in a video posted on MLB.com. “Even at that young age, I was really impressed with what he did beyond baseball. Jackie, alongside his wife Rachel, opened up a world of opportunities that had been closed to so many Americans simply because of the color of their skin. What he did took courage, a lot of courage. He had to endure things that most of us could not imagine, and he had to do it while maintaining composure that most of us couldn’t begin to muster.”
Robinson’s No. 42 was retired throughout the major leagues in 1997, with players already using the number grandfathered in. Then-commissioner Bud Selig decided in 2005 that all teams would honor Robinson each April 15. Every major league player, manager and coach on the field wears No. 42 on the date.
“Jackie is the most historic figure who ever played the game, so it’s fitting that we honor his legacy by adding the Civil Rights Game on the same day as Jackie Robinson Day,” Manfred said.
Most Los Angeles fans wore Dodgers jerseys with Robinson’s number on the back, which they received as they entered the ballpark.
Robinson was a six-time All-Star, the 1947 major league Rookie of the Year and the N.L. MVP in 1949, when he won the league’s batting title.
Clearing the bases
Eight games into the season, David Wright is on the disabled list again. The Mets put their captain on the 15-day DL with a strained right hamstring. He’s expected back within three weeks. … Right-hander Adam Ottavino earned the closer job for the N.L. West-leading Rockies. LaTroy Hawkins was moved out of the closer job Monday after he blew a save a day earlier in a 6-5 loss to the Chicago Cubs. … The Diamondbacks recalled heralded outfielder Yasmany Tomas from Triple-A Reno to give them a spark off the bench. … Yankees pitcher Wilking Rodriguez was suspended for 80 games under baseball’s minor league drug program following a positive test for Furosemide. … Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco escaped serious injury after being struck in the face by a line drive Tuesday. “I got a scare, but everything came out OK,” he said. He’s expected to skip one start… The Nationals placed right-hander Craig Stammen on the 15-day DL with right forearm stiffness.