<P> "I have often stated that baseball's proudest moment and its most powerful social statement came on April 15, 1947 when Jackie Robinson first set foot on a Major League Baseball field", said Selig . "On that day, Jackie brought down the color barrier and ushered in the era in which baseball became the true national pastime . Fifty years after that historic event, in April 1997, I was proud to join Rachel Robinson and President Bill Clinton at Shea Stadium to honor Jackie by retiring his uniform number 42 in perpetuity . By establishing April 15 as' Jackie Robinson Day' throughout Major League Baseball, we are further ensuring that the incredible contributions and sacrifices he made--for baseball and society--will not be forgotten ." </P> <P> It began that Thursday morning with Sharon Robinson, ringing the ceremonial Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange . Rachel Robinson (Jackie Robinson's wife), officials from the Major League Baseball foundation, and officials of the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) took part in the special ceremony honoring Jackie Robinson . Festivities took place in the 13 ballparks that had scheduled games that day . The balls had a "42" logo on each of them for the games that day . Jackie Robinson Foundation scholars threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to each game . "I'm very happy my son is in Boston today, we're happy that the scholars and family are at different clubs and look forward to expanding the celebration as the years go on", Robinson said . "And also continuing to come up with creative ways to reach out to the African - American community and bring them into this wonderful game of baseball that we all love ." </P> <P> April 15, 2005, was the 58th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's major league debut . Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig officially declared that every April 15 would be designated as Jackie Robinson Day and it would be celebrated each year throughout Major League Baseball . Every ballpark in Major League Baseball in the United States celebrated Jackie Robinson Day, unlike in 2004 when it was only celebrated in 13 ballparks . Each ballpark showed a video tribute to Robinson, and many brought out Jackie Robinson Foundation scholars onto the field before the games . In Cincinnati, Ohio, Ken Griffey, Jr. spoke of how much every African - American baseball player owes Robinson, who was chosen by manager Branch Rickey to break the color line because of Robinson's inner courage and ability to keep his temper in check . </P> <P> April 15, 2006, was the 59th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's major league debut . Rachel Robinson attended the ceremony, having former Negro Leagues players Robert Scott and Armando Vazquez also attending the ceremony . His widow was honored and celebrated at Shea Stadium . After a video tribute on the scoreboard of Shea Stadium of Jackie Robinson, Rachel Robinson walked to the pitcher's mound before the New York Mets hosted the Milwaukee Brewers, along with Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer, and New York Mets manager Willie Randolph . "I've got a picture of Jackie in my office, so I think about that every day," Randolph said . "I'm just happy to be a part of this day ." A large blue, gray and white circle with "42" on it was put over home plate representing the colors of Jackie Robinson's uniform with the Dodgers as a major leaguer . </P>

Why are the yankees and tigers wearing the number 42