ESPN is airing a special project to honor Jackie Robinson as MLB celebrates the 75th anniversary of his breaking the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers and to showcase the continued work of wife Rachel as she approaches her 100th birthday on July 19.
The season-long project — which adds to ESPN’s cross-platform content initiative celebrating “Black History Always” — will encompass a 10+-part short story video series leading up to the 75th anniversary and a significant on-site presence with ESPN shows, special guests and much more from the opening of the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City.
“It is an honor to oversee this initiative highlighting the impact of Jackie Robinson through comprehensive coverage of the 75th anniversary,” ESPN head of NBA and studio production David Roberts said.
“Jackie opened doors for African Americans and all other minority groups in every profession up to and including the President of the United States. That’s why it is extremely important his lasting legacy is recognized and never forgotten.”
ESPN is premiering a short story video each day, culminating with the final debut on the April 15 anniversary date.
The “Jackie to Me” series features newly conducted interviews with prominent athletes and public figures speaking about Robinson’s many legacies and lasting impact across generations. Tim Anderson, Bobby Bradford, Ruby Bridges, Chuck D, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Billie Jean King, Willie O’Ree, Robinson’s son David and more are among the Jackie to Me interviewees who share personal reflections and stories.
The videos are debuting across “SportsCenter,” “Get Up” and “First Take” — with a full day of content across shows on April 15. After that, the videos will continue to be showcased across ESPN’s MLB and studio programming, as well as ESPN Audio content and the network’s YouTube and social media channels. The series will also be accompanied by a written piece on ESPN.com.
Also on April 15, ESPN’s college baseball coverage will honor the 75th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier with five games across four networks, culminating with Stanford vs. UCLA at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles (7 p.m. PT, ESPN2).
Additional details on content, specials, interviews and more across the network’s MLB and studio show programming will be announced in the coming months.
On July 26, the Jackie Robinson Museum will open at One Hudson Square in New York City, unveiling a 19,380 square foot space to the public featuring 4,500+ artifacts, 40,000 historical images and 450+ hours of video footage exploring Robinson’s unwavering commitment to social justice and equal opportunity.
“First Take” with Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim, will be live from the Jackie Robinson Museum, welcoming a full lineup of special guests in person throughout the show. Live reports from the museum will also be seen across editions of SportsCenter throughout the day.
Jackie Robinson memorabilia sold for record prices
One of seven ticket stubs from Robinson’s MLB debut in 1947 was sold at auction for $480,000. This sale proved to be the most expensive sporting event ticket ever purchased via auction. In addition, a 1946 questionnaire and 1948 rookie card of Robinson’s were also sold for record prices.
Along with a ticket stub from Robinson’s debut with the Dodgers, a 1946 American Baseball Bureau questionnaire where the icon was asked about his “ambition in baseball” sold for $1.68 million.
A 1948 Leaf rookie card, graded an eight, sold for $468,000. Meanwhile, a 1946 Helibroner Baseball Bureau Information card that was filled out and signed by Robinson sold for $120,000.
Arguably the most unique piece that was sold at auction, though, was a signed copy of Robinson’s book, “Wait Till Next Year,” which had a personal letter written out to Pee Wee Reese. That sold for $144,000.
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