April 24, 2009

Honoring a Baseball Legend

Jackie Robinson is remembered at Citi Field, the New York Mets' new ballpark

By Kid Reporter Dixie Duggan

Just hours before the New York Mets' second game at Citi Field, the team's new home, some lucky kids got a chance to see and hear about one of baseball's most inspiring players, Jackie Robinson. April 15 was Jackie Robinson Day at ballparks across the U.S. Fans paused to remember the day, 62 years ago, when Robinson became the first African American to play in the modern Major Leagues. In New York City, the Mets hosted a ceremony dedicating Citi Field's Jackie Robinson Rotunda. The domed hall serves as the entryway to the stadium. Photos of Robinson adorn its tile walls.

COURTESY DUGGAN FAMILY Dixie Duggan roots for the Citi Field home team, the Mets.

Omar Minaya, general manager of the Mets, television sportscaster Marvel Scott and others spoke about Robinson's legacy. In her book, Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America, Sharon Robinson, Jackie's daughter, wrote of her father's nine values. They are: courage, excellence, persistence, justice, teamwork, commitment, citizenship, determination and integrity. The words are etched around the rotunda.

A Hero On and Off the Field

Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. In 1945, he signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Two years later, he played his first Major League game. Robinson broke baseball's color barrier. He changed the game and the country forever. In 1963, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

But Robinson's journey was hardly smooth. During his career, he received threatening messages, got spiked by players' cleats and had balls lobbed at him by opposing pitchers. After he retired from baseball, Robinson continued to champion civil rights.

At the rotunda's dedication ceremony, Scott spoke about the similarities in the paths that Robinson and President Barack Obama took. Robinson was a good role model for Obama, said Scott, because each persevered and refused to quit "even when people told him he should."

A Winning Day

On April 15, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, along with United Neighborhood Houses and the Mets, launched Citi Field Kids. The educational and motivational program will provide New York City kids with "a unique and profound learning experience," said Dave Howard. He is an executive vice president with the Mets.

CITI FIELD KIDS Citi Field Kids gather in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda.

A group of Citi Field Kids, who ranged in age from 9 to 25, was given a tour of the rotunda. Afterward, the kids cheered the Mets as they beat the San Diego Padres, 7-2. It was the Mets' first win at Citi Field! Stephanie Camilo, one of the Citi Kids, was excited to be at the new stadium. Although she loved the Mets' old home field, Shea Stadium, Stephanie decided that Citi Field was "awesome." And, so was the day!

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