Jackie Robinson Day is this coming Friday, and what better time to announce an increase in funding for the foundation named in his honor than now? Rob Manfred has been committed to increasing diversity in baseball and also expanding his league’s community outreach programs, so the perfect combination has come together with the announcement that the sport is increasing funding for the foundation and also expanding the partnership between the two organizations.
The announcement also comes when Ken Burns’ two part documentary series on Robinson the man is airing on PBS. MLB will fund 30 four year foundation scholarships, one for each club, and a $1 million contribution to the JRF’s museum project.
“Jackie Robinson inspired change throughout the National Pastime and society,” Manfred said. “Major League Baseball and its Clubs have been proud to support the Jackie Robinson Foundation, recognizing the Foundation’s important role in perpetuating Jackie’s legacy by advancing education.
“MLB’s expanded commitment reflects a shared desire to inspire and broaden opportunities for young people in our communities to truly reflect Jackie’s vision for our American society and positively impact future generations.”
“We are extremely grateful to Major League Baseball for its ongoing, very generous support of our mission to address the achievement gap in education,” said Della Britton Baeza, president and CEO of the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
It has been 69 years since Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball by becoming the first African-American to play in the majors, and it has now been 19 years since his number 42 was retired league wide in his honor.
MLB and its clubs have previously donated around $15 million to the Robinson Foundation before this.
