Yesterday was the 15th day of the fourth month, known throughout the baseball world as “Jackie Robinson Day.” Commemerations took place before every game played in honor of the Hall of Fame second baseman who, at 28 years of age, broke the MLB color barrier when he debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.
Despite all of the racial abuse he endured during his playing days, particularly in his rookie season, the UCLA graduate and former Army second lieutenant put up an .883 OPS and .412 wOBA, amassing a 62.4 fWAR in only ten big-league seasons. In 1949, he posted a .960 OBP and .455 wOBA and accumulated a steallar 10.0 fWAR, earning him the NL MVP Award.
Out in Chavez Ravine, Dodger fans were given additional treats yesterday: the return of Vin Scully to the broadcast booth and a walk-off victory over the Padres.
More here.