April 15 is one of the best days on the MLB calendar. With 15 games scheduled for Tuesday night, one of the reasons this day stands out in the season is because it’s Jackie Robinson Day, one of the most historic dates in league history.
Every MLB player will wear No. 42 on their jerseys for the games played on April 15.
MLB Story Why No. 42 Is Worn on April 15
Jackie Robinson Day is a tradition that takes place every year on April 15 in MLB. Out of respect for the legendary player, all players, coaches, managers, and umpires wear No. 42 on this day.
The idea behind it is that April 15, 1947, marked Robinson’s debut in MLB with the then-Brooklyn Dodgers and when he broke the league’s color barrier.
Today, and everyday, we honor Jackie Robinson for his contributions to baseball and the world. pic.twitter.com/zHN5cbmEV3
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 15, 2025
Robinson was the first Black MLB player in the modern era. His debut with the Dodgers helped to break nearly 80 years of segregation in the sport. He would go on to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
Jason Foster of MLB.com shared how Jackie Robinson Day will be celebrated in 2025. He said, “The tributes will be most prominent on the field. All MLB players and coaching staff will continue the tradition of wearing Robinson’s No. 42 during Tuesday’s games, with each team using a Dodger blue ‘42’ regardless of the club’s normal colors. Players, managers, coaches and umpires will also wear a ‘42’ patch on the side of their hats.
“In addition, players will wear Nike ‘Breaking Barriers’ T-shirts during batting practice, and commemorative base jewels and lineup cards will be used in each game. For fans, royal blue socks and other Robinson-focused items will be available for purchase at stadium retail locations.
“Other league-wide plans include a pregame Robinson tribute video produced by MLB Network and featuring former pro softball player AJ Andrews. The video will also be played at MLB.com, MLB Network, MLB’s social platforms and elsewhere.
“Off the field on Tuesday, MLB will host a volunteer event at the league office in which volunteers will put together 200 hygiene kits to be donated to Henry Street Settlement in support of its CONNECT program, which provides support for people facing mental health challenges.”
Robinson played 10 seasons in the MLB. In 1,382 career games, he recorded a .311 batting average with 137 home runs and 734 RBIs, along with 197 stolen bases and an on-base percentage of .409.
There will also be tribute videos for Robinson at all MLB ballparks during games on April 15, making it one of the most meaningful days in baseball.