Prior to Tuesday night's MLB All-Star Game, there were a couple of moments that likely caused some tears to be shed. First, Academy Award winner Denzel Washington took center stage. He walked up to home plate and gave a speech on the 75th anniversary of Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier.
Incredible.
Denzel Washington honors the legendary Jackie Robinson before the All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium. pic.twitter.com/4SiK5UO9OJ
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 20, 2022
“Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, 1947, when Jackie Robinson stepped onto a Major League baseball field for the first time, armed with supreme talent and unshakeable character, wearing a Dodgers uniform, he changed the game of baseball and so much more… On the field, he was the Rookie of the Year, an MVP and a World Series Champion… Beyond the field, Jackie Robinson challenged us to become better versions of ourselves… He said life is not a spectator sport and he lived that motto to the fullest,” Washington said to a rousing ovation from the Dodgers crowd.
With incredible irony, Tuesday also happened to be Jackie Robinson's widow, Rachel's, 100th birthday. Once Washington was done honoring the legend, Betts took the microphone. He had the entire crowd of over 50,000 people sing Happy Birthday to Rachel Robinson.
Mookie Betts on the field telling crowd to shout out Happy Birthday to Rachel Robinson, who celebrates her 100th birthday today. pic.twitter.com/RQfPk5a14P
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 20, 2022
It was fitting that Betts would be involved in the pregame festivities. Earlier in the day Tuesday during batting practice, Betts was seen wearing a shirt that read “We need more black people at the stadium.” When asked later about it, he said that a fan had given it to him and he thought the All-Star Game the perfect venue to show what he also believed.
It was a beautiful beginning the the Midsummer Classic held in Los Angeles.
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