Not Just Tax Day

Today is April 15th.  A day known for the due date to submit your Federal and State taxes.  You may owe money or if you are lucky you get some money back.

April 15 is also important for another reason.  It is Jackie Robinson Day.

Every April 15, the number 42 is worn by all players, coaches and umpires in major league baseball.

Jackie Robinson probably doesn’t need much introduction.  Everyone who follows baseball knows that he was the first Black player to play in the American Leagues.

This was on April 15, 1947 and his prowess and skills shone during his career. He played for the Dodgers from 1947 through 1956.

Jackie led the National league in stolen bases, he won the batting championship, was named Rookie of the Year and was the National League MVP.  What a career.

Life was not without trials however as he ran into players that didn’t want to play with a Black man, fans threw bottles and insults at him opposing pitchers sent pitches towards his head.

Prior to baseball and after his career he was an activist for equal rights for Black people.

It started in the US Army with refusing to sit at the back of the military bus.  He also became involved with the NAACP and he even appeared with Martin Luther King, Jr.

Unfortunately he died at the young age of 53.  His life in baseball and in civil rights are a part of his amazing and inspiring story.

Private Home Health Care honors Jackie Robinson on this day.