LEADING OFF: MLB celebrates Robinson 75 years after debut

A look at what's happening around baseball Friday:

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JACKIE ROBINSON DAY

Players across the majors will don Jackie Robinson's No. 42 — and all of them in Dodger blue this year — for the 75th anniversary of Robinson's big league debut.

The Dodgers, of course, will be at home in Los Angeles, facing the Cincinnati Reds. They'll be joined by Robinson's 99-year-old widow, Rachel, and her son David.

Earlier in the day, David Robinson will read the book “I Am Jackie Robinson” at Longfellow Elementary School in Pasadena, California, where Robinson grew up. He'll be joined by Robinson's granddaughter, Ayo, pitcher David Price and Players Alliance founders Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson.

Outfielder Mookie Betts will join the Robinson family at nearby John Muir High for the unveiling of a mural of Robinson. He starred in football, basketball, baseball and track at the Pasadena school in the 1930s.

Meanwhile in New York, Commissioner Rob Manfred will host an event for youth baseball players from the city in Times Square with special guests Ken Griffey Jr., Mariano Rivera, CC Sabathia, Joe Torre, Willie Randolph and Butch Huskey.

ON GUARD

The Guardians are set to reintroduce themselves to the city of Cleveland with their home opener against the San Francisco Giants. It’s a new beginning for the ballclub, which dropped its old name after more than 100 years amid criticism over its insensitivity to Native American communities.

Oscar winner Tom Hanks, who cut his acting teeth in Cleveland in the 1970s, will toss a ceremonial first pitch to Larry Doby Jr., whose father broke the American League’s color barrier with Cleveland 75 years ago.

Guardians right-hander Zach Plesac (0-0, 0.00) will then face Giants lefty Carlos Rodón...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-MLB-celebrates-Robinson-75-years-17082303.php