Jackie Robinson Day 2022: How the Sports World Is Honoring MLB Icon

As the MLB lockout began to threaten the early portion of the 2022 schedule, one of the biggest concerns was the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day, which takes place every April 15 to honor the legacy of the man who broke the league's color barrier.

Every year, players around MLB wear No. 42 in memory of Robinson, who played the first game of his Hall of Fame career April 15, 1947. This year's event carried extra meaning as the 75th anniversary of his groundbreaking achievement.

MLB @MLB

42 is more than a number. #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/TYNaFAY2cz

The league and the Players Association reached an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement after 99 days, which ensured Jackie Robinson Day would take center stage once again Friday.

Former President Barack Obama honored Robinson, who died in 1972:

Barack Obama @BarackObama

On the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day, we're reminded of his groundbreaking career and legacy that has paved the way for so many who would follow—including me. pic.twitter.com/U4CHJN2WNG

Longtime MLB outfielder Doug Glanville, who now works as an ESPN analyst, discussed the importance of making sure Robinson's story continues to get passed down to future generations.

"It is one of the greatest American stories ever, but like any story, with time, it can fade," Granville wrote in an article published Friday. "A big step in sustaining it is sharing it with children young enough to be his great-great-grandchildren."

The league teamed with New York City, where Robinson played his entire MLB career as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers, to kick off the celebration Friday morning by renaming 42nd Street as Jackie Robinson Way for the day:

MLB @MLB

Today, 42nd Street belongs to Jackie. #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/GQKJBakAcR

The New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks, who played the day's first game, both highlighted their jerseys for the occasion:

New York Mets @Mets

4️⃣2️⃣ #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/BSY2GCQsF7

Arizona Diamondbacks @Dbacks

Today, on the 75th anniversary of the day he broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, we celebrate the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson. #JackieRobinsonDay pic.twitter.com/qykkQ8ebN1

All the uniforms Friday featured the No. 42 in Dodger Blue regardless of the team's color scheme as a special tribute on the 75th anniversary.

Here are some of the celebrations and memories of Robinson from around MLB, the sports world and the internet.

MLB Network @MLBNetwork

Harold Reynolds sat down with @BillClinton, Spike Lee, @BoJackson, Ken Griffey Jr. and Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig to discuss the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut. #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/1QAEn61E3u

Hunter Greene @HunterGreene17

Happy Jackie Robinson Day ✊🏾I need a ROLL CALL! All the African American boys and girls around the United States, I’m calling on you and your leagues to flood my account today by showing your faces or team photo (no video please). Show you exist and want to play baseball! pic.twitter.com/NJBFXjCAGC

Houston Astros @astros

Thank you, Jackie.#Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/9PsdOfZAqE

New York Yankees @Yankees

On the 75th anniversary of his Major League debut, we celebrate Jackie Robinson’s life, legacy, and impact he left on not only baseball, but the world. #Jackie42 #JackieRobinsonDay pic.twitter.com/S0XDQv7KKF

ESPN @espn

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the MLB color barrier, ESPN is debuting ‘Jackie 75’ honoring Robinson’s legacy.<br><br>Naismith Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson reflects on how Robinson impacted his career in the NBA. #BlackHistoryAlways <br><br>(via @FirstTake) pic.twitter.com/meAOM6rwre

The Game Day MLB @TheGameDayMLB

It's only fitting Marcus Stroman gets the nod on Jackie Robinson Day. Just check out his tat of the legend 😮 pic.twitter.com/xp2DnjBWYH

Pittsburgh Pirates @Pirates

Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier 75 years ago today.<br><br>We are proud to join all of MLB in honoring his incredible legacy and impact on and off the field.#Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/vtsZxI50hg

Cincinnati Reds @Reds

April 15, 2007: Ken Griffey Jr. dons No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson after receiving consent from then-Commissioner Bud Selig and Robinson's widow, Rachel. Selig then encourages all players to join in the tribute. #Jackie42 #RedsVault<br><br>More: https://t.co/RfRiydynP4 pic.twitter.com/eldQ2GMprQ

Robinson won the 1947 MLB Rookie of the Year and the 1949 National League MVP awards, and he earned six All-Star selections during a decorated career that also included capturing the 1955 World Series championship with the Dodgers.

The Georgia native, who served in the U.S. Army before his baseball career, continued to advocate for racial equality after his playing career ended in 1956.

He made a speech before throwing out the first pitch of Game 2 of the 1972 World Series, less than two weeks before his death from a heart attack at the age of 53.

"I am extremely proud and pleased to be here this afternoon, but must admit I'm going to be tremendously more pleased and more proud if I look at that third-base coaching line one day and see a Black face managing in baseball," Robinson said.

In 1975, Cleveland hired Frank Robinson as MLB's first Black manager. But nearly five decades later, the 2022 season opened with just two Black managers: the Houston Astros' Dusty Baker and the Los Angeles Dodgers' Dave Roberts.

It highlights the need for continued work to honor Jackie Robinson's legacy in the years ahead.