Remembering Robinson: ‘He opened doors’

Devon Travis’s Mom texted him Wednesday with a cute reminder of his personal connection to the day’s celebration. In Grade 5, tasked with doing a report on his favourite book, a 10-year-old Travis chose a biography of Jackie Robinson. “As a kid you don’t fully understand it,” the Blue Jays’ second baseman said Wednesday. “But he’s definitely someone who is special in my life and I’m so thankful for everything he did.”

Wednesday marked the 68th anniversary of Robinson’s pioneering debut as the first black player of Major League Baseball’s modern era. The Georgia native’s No. 42 was retired in 1997, and since 2007 — to mark the anniversary each year — every major-league player and manager wears No. 42 on their backs.

Five Jays players shared their thoughts on what the day means to them:

“Without him the game wouldn’t be what it is today and I would have no chance of being where I am today, so it’s definitely a really special day and it’s an honour to be able to put on his number.” — Devon Travis

“What a warrior, man. I just feel blessed that he gave me and a lot of other players to be here right now. It means a lot. If it wasn’t for him I don’t know where baseball would be at right now. Me being Latin American, to know that I have the opportunity to play in the best league in the world because of him, it means a lot.” —

Dioner Navarro

“We’re all pretty much equal today because we’re all wearing the same number. It’s an extremely humbling day for all of us, everybody who gets a chance to do it. A bunch of us wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Jackie Robinson and what he did for the game of baseball.” — Dalton Pompey

“I feel so blessed. It’s the first time I’m going to wear it. It’s very special because I’m thankful to him. He opened a lot of doors for us, a lot of opportunities. I’m very blessed to wear this number today.” — Roberto

Osuna

“Thank you Jackie Robinson. Due to your efforts, I can chase my dreams in the sport I love! #LEGEND.” — Marcus Stroman, on Twitter Brendan Kennedy

NATHAN DENETTE/THE CANADIAN PRESS The Blue Jays wore No. 42 on Wednesday for Jackie Robinson, part of an annual celebration to honour the man who broke the game’s colour barrier.