Hall of Fame Celebrates Jackie Robinson’s Legacy with Two Weeks of Special Programs

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – As the baseball world prepares for Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, which will mark the 75th anniversary of his historic National League debut, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has on deck two weeks of celebratory programming to honor an icon who changed the game and the nation.

From this coming Monday, April 11 through Friday, April 22, the Museum will present daily events highlighting Robinson’s important legacy. On April 15, 1947, Robinson debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first Black player in a 20th century National or American League game.

Robinson went on to play 10 seasons with the Dodgers, earning the 1947 Rookie of the Year Award and the 1949 NL Most Valuable Player Award while leading Brooklyn to six NL pennants and the 1955 World Series title. Following his career, his work as a civil rights leader helped open doors to millions throughout baseball and beyond.

Visitors to the Hall of Fame from April 11-22 can enjoy the following daily events and activities, all of which are included with Museum admission:

• Jackie Robinson 75th Anniversary Self-Guided Tour
A self-guided experience highlighting locations within the Hall of Fame and Museum where Jackie Robinson’s story is told.

• Plaques of the Gallery Tour
This 20-minute guided tour educates visitors about the history of the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery and the process by which each plaque is made and installed. For all ages.

• Jackie Robinson Pop-Up
Learning Center, 1st Floor
This pop-up experience will explore images and hands-on items from the Hall of Fame’s Education and Museum collections that tell the story of Jackie Robinson and his impact on baseball and society.

• So You Think You Know Baseball?
Bullpen Theater, 1st Floor
Test your knowledge of baseball history in this interactive game show for fans of all ages! Make your way through all nine innings, and you could win a free commemorative Hall of Fame gift.

Additionally, the following programs will be broadcast from the Hall of Fame and streamed for free online:

Wednesday, April 13 Virtual Field Trip: Before You Could Say Jackie Robinson
1 p.m. Online
In this unit, students will explore American history from the Civil War to the civil rights movement. They will work to learn how race relations in baseball reflected significant social and cultural developments in the United States. This program is free but registration is required.

Thursday, April 14 Virtual Author Series: Kostya Kennedy
3 p.m. Online
On the eve of Jackie Robinson Day, the Museum will feature a Virtual Author Series program with Kostya Kennedy, the author of the new book “True: The Four Seasons of Jackie Robinson”. A best-selling author, Kennedy will discuss four years in Robinson’s life: 1946, his lone season with the Montreal Royals; 1949, when he won the NL MVP; 1956, his final season in the major leagues; and 1972, the final year of his life. Kennedy will also take questions from our audience in the Chat Room. This event is free but registration is required.

Seating for events is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on these and other programs, please click here.