South Bend Community School Corporation’s Athletics to host Jackie Robinson celebrations
The South Bend Community School Corporation will honor baseball legend Jack “Jackie” Roosevelt Robinson from April 15 through April 21 at their home fields.
High school baseball and softball teams in the district will play local competitors to commemorate Robinson, the first African American to play in major league baseball, as well as bring awareness to the contribution of minority athletes. Robinson is known for having broken the “color line” when he started as a first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.
In honor of this date, Robinson’s uniform number (42) was retired across all major league baseball teams. Jackie Robinson Day was introduced as an annual tradition on April 15 in 2004, during which each player on each team wears Robinson’s number on their uniform.
These games are open to the public for $4.20 per guest. Any amount exceeding the ticket price will be donated to the development of the district’s new kindergarten through fourth grade Athletics and Sports Program.
“To begin this tradition within our district, together with our partners at the South Bend Cubs, is a tremendous opportunity for our athletes, coaches, and community,” said Milton Lee, director of community programs and athletics. “In this inaugural series of games, we’re looking forward to honoring students who embody the spirit of sportsmanship and social justice that Robinson shared through his legacy. We’re also looking forward to using this celebration to further our own athletic and leadership development for students of all ages.”
Who:
Milton Lee, director of community programs and athletics, SBCSC
Joe Hart, president of the South Bend Cubs (sponsor)
Buysse family (sponsor)
Adams High School baseball team
Adams High School softball team
Clay High School baseball team
Clay High School softball team
Riley High School baseball team
What:
Commemorative home games honoring Jackie Robinson
Raising funds for K-4th grade athletics
Raising awareness for minority athletes
When:
April 16:
5:00 p.m. Riley High School v. LaVille (baseball); 5001 S. Miami St, South Bend IN 46614
April 19:
5:00 p.m. Adams High School v. New Prairie (softball); 808 S Twyckenham Dr., South Bend IN 46615
5:30 p.m. Clay High School v. Elkhart (baseball); 19131 Darden Rd, South Bend IN 46637
April 21:
5:30 p.m. Clay High School v. New Prairie (softball); 19131 Darden Rd., South Bend IN 46637
April 24:
7:00 p.m. Adams High School v. Mishawaka (baseball); 808 S Twyckenham Dr., South Bend IN 46615
Where:
Each game will be held at the SBCSC team’s home fields listed above.
Contact: Monica Leyes, Assistant Director of Communications, [email protected], 574.393.6180 (w), 574.850.4760 (m)