As Friday marks the annual ‘Jackie Robinson Day', legendary broadcaster Vin Scully revealed a story from how things originated via his Twitter page. And yes, 94-year-old Vin Scully has a Twitter page.
The Dodgers were playing in Cincinnati. [There was] a big crowd in the ballpark and what made it different was you were well aware that, on the rooftops of old Crosley Field, there were sharpshooters. The reason? A most serious threatening letter was sent to Jackie Robinson. Everyone took it very seriously. There was not a sound in the clubhouse. All of the sudden, a big blonde left fielder Gene Hermanski jumped up and in a loud voice said, ‘I've got it! We'll all wear the number 42.'
It's memories and stories like these that keep the name of Jackie Robinson alive and well. Once again, Robinson's bravery is showcased in this story from Scully. Gene Hermanski deserves immense respect as well, doing something that many probably would not have suggested at the time. The Dodgers teammates followed in unison and the rest is history.
Jackie Robinson Day was eventually adopted as a league-wide, annual tradition in 2004 by commissioner Bud Selig. Robinson would be honored the same way he was that very day some 50 years ago: everyone would wear the number 42.
Only this time, it was every team and player in the MLB, not just the Dodgers. Scully seems to be enjoying his retirement, stepping away from the game in 2016 after a 67-year broadcasting career. Scully started in the 1950s, right in the midst of the heyday of Jackie Robinson.
As the legend of Robinson lives on, more and more stories seem to come out revealing his character. Ones like Scully's is why we celebrate April 15th each year.
Follow Us
Subscribe