Say Hey, America

#42

Rachel Robinson walked past cheering construction workers and into the Jackie Robinson Rotunda for the first time, stood on a balcony above the 160-foot wide floor and was awed as she gazed at the 70-foot high arches.

“It’s like walking into a cathedral in a way,’’ she said. “I love St. Peter’s in Rome, but I don’t know if I can compare this to St. Peter’s.’’

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier when he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers for the first time on April 15, 1947. His number was retired for all major league teams during ceremonies at Shea Stadium attended by President Clinton on the 50th anniversary. Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera is the only player remaining from then who still wears No. 42 throughout the season.....The Robinson Rotunda will have those values engraved into its floor and etched into its archways: “Courage. Excellence. Persistence. Justice. Teamwork. Commitment. Citizenship. Determination. Integrity.’’

Robinson’s legacy set in stone at Citi Field
Sports Illustrated

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