Players wear 42 on Sunday

[Cubsfan97]

I dont got a link, but I heard Cub announcers saying that on Sunday (15th), all players are invited to wear number 42 in honor of the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinsons debut. Ken Griffey had called Selig requesting permission to wear 42, Selig liked idea and then invited anyone who wanted to to wear it. Should be interesting. I will see if I cant find an article.

[Cubsfan97]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20070404&content_id=1879309&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

[hudsonharden]

Mariano Rivera wears that number every time he pitches.

[wickedcurve093]

I wonder if Bonds will wear 42. :confused:

[rockin500]

I dont got a link, but I heard Cub announcers saying that on Sunday (15th), all players are invited to wear number 42 in honor of the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinsons debut. Ken Griffey had called Selig requesting permission to wear 42, Selig liked idea and then invited anyone who wanted to to wear it. Should be interesting. I will see if I cant find an article.
nice gesture by griffey and better gesture by selig. even the bud man can get it right on occassion.

[otis89]

nice gesture by griffey and better gesture by selig. even the bud man can get it right on occassion.

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

[bryanac625]

I wonder if Bonds will wear 42. :confused:

Bonds will wear #42.

I like anything honoring Jackie Robinson, but I'm not so crazy about this idea. Does this mean any retired number can be worn when players want to honor that person?

[otis89]

Bonds will wear #42.

I like anything honoring Jackie Robinson, but I'm not so crazy about this idea. Does this mean any retired number can be worn when players want to honor that person?

As long as Selig approves it. Of course, 42 is the only number that's been retired for every team, so I'm not sure how that would work for other players.

[Dravecky43]

Is Rivera the last of the players that were wearing 42 when it was retired by the league?

[Elvis]

Vin Scully reported tonight that EVERY Dodger will wear 42 on April 15th. :applaud:

[milladrive]

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

Heheheh :p

[Old Sweater]

Bonds will wear #42.

I like anything honoring Jackie Robinson, but I'm not so crazy about this idea. Does this mean any retired number can be worn when players want to honor that person?

Not if Jackie Robinsons daughter gets her way.

Jackie Robinson's daughter: Don't retire Clemente's No. 21
The daughter of Jackie Robinson thinks Major League Baseball should not retire Roberto Clemente's No. 21, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday. The Hispanics Across America advocacy group wants Clemente's number set aside the way the late Robinson's No. 42 was nine years ago. But Sharon Robinson said that honor should remain for her father only.

[Elvis]

Not if Jackie Robinsons daughter gets her way.

And she's right.

[Old Sweater]

And she's right.

Probably so. I can see the point for Clemente family though.


The thing though is if Clemente gets his number retired it would open up a flood gate.

[redlegsfan21]

I think Ken Griffey Jr. made a great decision. Jackie was a hero to all blacks in baseball and choosing to honor that hero with his own little way.

[otis89]

Is Rivera the last of the players that were wearing 42 when it was retired by the league?

Yes, he is.

[mojorisin71]

Mo Vaughn and Jose Lima both wore 42 when it was retired, I think.

[Williamsburg2599]

Vin Scully reported tonight that EVERY Dodger will wear 42 on April 15th. :applaud:

:reporter: "#42 flips it to #42 to get #42 at second before throwing it to #42 at first to get #42 and complete the double play and get #42 out of the jam, up next inning for the Dodgers, #42, #42 and # 42, respectfully."

[Cubsfan97]

Well, I agree if Clementes number were retired that it would open a flood gate, but I think he should have some special honor that no one else has. But maybe Clementes honor should go further than the baseball world, because how many athletes, let alone celebrities did what Clemente did?

[Elvis]

Well, I agree if Clementes number were retired that it would open a flood gate, but I think he should have some special honor that no one else has. But maybe Clementes honor should go further than the baseball world, because how many athletes, let alone celebrities did what Clemente did?

LOTS of players/celebs have been just as involved in charity work as Clemente was. It's a noble deed to give selflessly, but hardly unique to Roberto Clemente. If he hadn't gotten himself killed like that this wouldn't even be an issue.

[Old Sweater]

:reporter: "#42 flips it to #42 to get #42 at second before throwing it to #42 at first to get #42 and complete the double play and get #42 out of the jam, up next inning for the Dodgers, #42, #42 and # 42, respectfully."


LOL...........really. Good one Willie.

[bryanac625]

Previous quote:

Jackie Robinson's daughter: Don't retire Clemente's No. 21
The daughter of Jackie Robinson thinks Major League Baseball should not retire Roberto Clemente's No. 21, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday. The Hispanics Across America advocacy group wants Clemente's number set aside the way the late Robinson's No. 42 was nine years ago. But Sharon Robinson said that honor should remain for her father only.

I agree with Robinson's daughter that Robinson's number should be the only one unanimously retired. If you keep on retiring numbers in perpetuity, the whole thing loses meaning and becomes diluted.

The fact is, once Jackie Robinson could play, anyone could play. There was never a barrier for hispanics or asians the same as for blacks. Before 1947, brown-skinned Roberto Clemente could not have played in the majors any more than Jackie or Larry Doby or Monte Irvin could. It didn't matter that he was hispanic. So I believe Robinson's #42 is retired on behalf of Clemente.

I'm still not in favor of players wearing #42 on 4/15. That number is now sacred and should be left alone. But then, I believe Jackie Robinson deserves a federal holiday for what he did.

[The Dude]

So Far:


Astros: Carlos Lee
Brewers: Bill Hall
Cubs: Derek Lee
Dodgers: Entire Team
Giants: Barry Bonds
Indians: Josh Barfield
Mets: Willie Randolph (Manager)
Nationals: Dmitri Young
Reds: Ken Griffey Jr.
Red Sox: Coco Crisp
Tigers: Garry Sheffield

[GotMelk?]

I not really a big fan of the players wearing 42. I'd think it would be cooler if teams wore a patch with 42 on their uniforms for that day. Isn't the point of retiring numbers that no one will ever wear it again?

[VTSoxFan]

Coco Crisp will be wearing it for the Red Sox. He wore #42 all through high school.

[Dalkowski110]

So far, Willie Randolph of the Mets is the only manager that's going to wear it (outside of the Dodgers, I guess). He'll be the wearer of number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day.

[redlegsfan21]

I not really a big fan of the players wearing 42. I'd think it would be cooler if teams wore a patch with 42 on their uniforms for that day. Isn't the point of retiring numbers that no one will ever wear it again?

I think this is just a way of honoring Jackie. A black player is taking the field with the number 42 exactly as Robinson did 60 years ago.

[TheKingofKings]

I know that "grinning and re-born" Dmitri Young will wear the 42nd number for the Nationals.

[BoofBonser26]

Josh Barfield of the Indians will wear #42.

Here's my take on the overall issue:

It is insanely stupid to retire #42 over all of baseball. It's a terrible way to honor Jackie. Teams retire numbers for their legendary players. The Dodgers should have #42 retired. Why should the Devil Rays? There are countless better ways to honor Jackie Robinson.

The fact that players are eager to wear #42 shows that it would go a lot further in honoring Robinson's legacy if players could wear #42 in tribute. I think lots of the guys who'll be wearing #42 for one day would gladly trade in their old jerseys for #42 all year. Think about it:

Kid in stands: Why does [his favorite player] wear 42?
Parent: Well, he's doing that to remember a very special man...

[Mattingly]

Previous quote:

Jackie Robinson's daughter: Don't retire Clemente's No. 21
The daughter of Jackie Robinson thinks Major League Baseball should not retire Roberto Clemente's No. 21, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday. The Hispanics Across America advocacy group wants Clemente's number set aside the way the late Robinson's No. 42 was nine years ago. But Sharon Robinson said that honor should remain for her father only.

I agree with Robinson's daughter that Robinson's number should be the only one unanimously retired. If you keep on retiring numbers in perpetuity, the whole thing loses meaning and becomes diluted.

The fact is, once Jackie Robinson could play, anyone could play. There was never a barrier for hispanics or asians the same as for blacks. Before 1947, brown-skinned Roberto Clemente could not have played in the majors any more than Jackie or Larry Doby or Monte Irvin could. It didn't matter that he was hispanic. So I believe Robinson's #42 is retired on behalf of Clemente.

I'm still not in favor of players wearing #42 on 4/15. That number is now sacred and should be left alone. But then, I believe Jackie Robinson deserves a federal holiday for what he did.
If anything, they could simply ask teams not to issue that number any further.

When Mo Vaughn was traded from the Angels to the Mets, he'd kept his #42. If a player already wears #21, they could ask that player if he'd consider not wearing this. If anything, the number could simply be unofficially retired if it's discouraged to be worn. That's about all that they can do, given that they're nice in the way they encourage players and teams not to issue this.

For the Yanks, I seriously doubt that #21 will be worn again, since Paul O'Neil is so beloved by the fans. Heck, not even Roger Clemens was allowed to wear his old #21 when he and Paulie both played in the Bronx.

[Dirt Dog]

Torii Hunter said on ESPN today that only black players and the Dodgers should wear #42 on Sunday b/c they (whites) don't understand the issue.

Sure it's his "opinion" and I understand where he's coming from but he's totally wrong.

[NYMets523]

I saw Hunter's comments and I think you're making it seem to be more racist than it is. I agree with Hunter. I think by having all Cards, Pirates, Phillies, and Astros wear it, it sort of cheapens it. You should only wear it if you want to because it means more.

[redlegsfan21]

There was an article in today's issue of the Dayton Daily News about a better way to celebrate Jackie Robinson. It was about the scholarship by his name and only two players have given money to it, Derek Jeter and Royce Clayton.

[Utility07]

I saw Hunter's comments and I think you're making it seem to be more racist than it is. I agree with Hunter. I think by having all Cards, Pirates, Phillies, and Astros wear it, it sort of cheapens it. You should only wear it if you want to because it means more.

He didnt say white people shouldnt wear it. But then again, hes not mentally retarded. If he straight out said it, he would probably be fined. He definetly implied it however.

[Mattingly]

Mets game has been called due to the rain (some noreaster (spl)).

[Dirt Dog]

He didnt say white people shouldnt wear it. But then again, hes not mentally retarded. If he straight out said it, he would probably be fined. He definetly implied it however.

He didn't say whites shouldn't wear the jersey, just that blacks and Dodgers are the only ones that should, yes he implied it.

I didn't realize that he was the spokesperson from Jackie's grave. I wonder if Robinson was alive today, would he share with Hunter's comments? Maybe, maybe not, but I don't think so.

[Redbird]

Todays game, both the Cardinals and Brewers wore #42. I thought at first it was a bit much for the team to wear it, then I found out that the Brewers would all wear the number as well. As I watched the game, I later thought that it looked good that every player was paying honor. Very nice tribute.

http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/7a01db48-5398-46d5-b057-47b08d0b0f9a.jpg

The Cardinals retired Bruce Sutter's #42 last year.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Not if Jackie Robinsons daughter gets her way.

I think Jackie Robinson's daughter made a mistake, why open your mouth regarding Clemente's number being retired.

Not saying it should or should not be retired, just that Jackie's daughter should butt out, it would only anger some others.

[EdmondsFan#1]

List of players wearing/wore #42 Today:



Angels: Gary Matthews Jr.
Astros: All players
Athletics: Milton Bradley
Blue Jays: Vernon Wells, Frank Thomas, Royce Clayton and hitting coach Mickey Brantley
Braves: Andruw Jones
Brewers: All players
Cardinals: All players
Cubs: Derrek Lee, Cliff Floyd, Jacque Jones, Daryle Ward, hitting coach Gerald Perry, bullpen coach Lester Strode
Devil Rays: Carl Crawford
Diamondbacks: Orlando Hudson, Tony Clark, Chris Young, Scott Hairston and first-base coach Lee Tinsley
Dodgers: All players
Giants: Barry Bonds
Indians: Josh Barfield, Grady Sizemore and C.C. Sabathia
Mariners: Arthur Rhodes
Marlins: Dontrelle Willis
Mets: Manager Willie Randolph
Nationals: Dmitri Young
Orioles: Corey Patterson
Padres: Mike Cameron
Phillies: All players
Pirates: All players
Rangers: Jerry Hairston Jr., Kenny Lofton, manager Ron Washington, first-base coach Gary Pettis
Red Sox: Coco Crisp, David Ortiz, third-base coach DeMarlo Hale
Reds: Ken Griffey Jr.
Rockies: LaTroy Hawkins
Royals: Reggie Sanders, Emil Brown
Tigers: Gary Sheffield, Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames, Craig Monroe, Ivan Rodriguez and hitting coach Lloyd McClendon
Twins: Torii Hunter, Rondell White and first base coach Jerry White
White Sox: Alex Cintron, Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, first-base coach Harold Baines and third-base coach Razor Shines
Yankees: Mariano Rivera (uniform No. 42 grandfathered in 1997), Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter and manager Joe Torre

[tripledup22]

how come the mlb is allowing this?

dont get me wrong but i think its great.
did they just make an exception for this day?

[Mattingly]

how come the mlb is allowing this?

dont get me wrong but i think its great.
did they just make an exception for this day?
Today's the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut in 1947.

I've merged this thread with the larger one.

[DownUnderDodger]

I just watched the Jackie Robinson Day ceremony at Dodger's Stadium, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking MLB debut at Ebbets Field. It was a nice ceremony honoring Jackie Robinson, where Racheal Robinson was honored with an award from Bud Selig, with Frank Robinson and Hank Aaron jointly throwing the opening pitch. I was impressed at how Rachael has looked after herself.
The wearing of the #42 by all Dodgers players and staff is in recognition of Jackie today.

[mac195]

There was an article in today's issue of the Dayton Daily News about a better way to celebrate Jackie Robinson. It was about the scholarship by his name and only two players have given money to it, Derek Jeter and Royce Clayton.
From what I understand, the Jackie Robinson Organization will recieve all the money raised by MLB when the #42 uniforms are auctioned off. The JRO gives college scholarships to needy black students. Whites need not apply. How sadly ironic.

[Dodgerfan1]

Torii Hunter said on ESPN today that only black players and the Dodgers should wear #42 on Sunday b/c they (whites) don't understand the issue.

Sure it's his "opinion" and I understand where he's coming from but he's totally wrong.

I agree that he is wrong about that statement. There has been so much written, spoken and televised about how the racist color barrier unfairly prevented some all-time great black players to play before Robinson's triumphant appearance on a major league field that it is the height of arrogance for Torii Hunter to think that nobody besides black players 'understand' the issue. Was Torii Hunter ever denied access to the game of baseball the way blacks were in Robinson's day? Does he, himself, really understand the issue, either? He never went through what Robby did, and I seriously doubt he truly understands it, either. Just because he is a black man doesn't mean that he does.

Hell, I don't use drugs, but I certainly understand that using them is not a good thing! Since when do people have to have actually gone through something in order to 'understand' whether it's a good or a bad thing? I get the fact that having gone through something does make one more aware of what it's truly like, but that doesn't mean no one else can possibly be aware of it.

I think Torii Hunter is full of himself.

[strosfan]

:reporter: "#42 flips it to #42 to get #42 at second before throwing it to #42 at first to get #42 and complete the double play and get #42 out of the jam, up next inning for the Dodgers, #42, #42 and # 42, respectfully."
LOL!!!!!!! Hilarious...

[strosfan]

The Astros were rained out in Philly yesterday so they didn't get to wear their #42s. I don't know yet when it will be made up but I bet they wear their #42 that day since they didn't get to pay tribute. :twocents: