Robinson’s Daughter Heads Mlb Program

Sharon Robinson, the daughter of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, was appointed director of educational programming for Major League Baseball Monday.

Robinson will set up and lead a program that focuses on urban and women’s issues, and develop a baseball-related curriculum that can be used by schools and non-profit organizations.

The ideals will be the same as those championed by Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

“Sharon Robinson will play a key role in Major League Baseball’s efforts to reach out to young people and women by promoting the leadership skills that her father displayed throughout his life,” acting commissioner Bud Selig said.

Robinson was an assistant professor at the Yale University School of Nursing and also taught at Columbia, Howard and Georgetown. She has been a nurse midwife for 20 years.

From 1985-90, she directed the Push For Excellence program founded by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and she is on the board of directors of the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

“Major League Baseball is fortunate to add a person with such diverse educational experience who brings a unique perspective and expertise on women’s issues to our game,” said N.L. president Len Coleman, to whom Robinson will report.