MiLB donates tickets for Robinson Game

As part of Minor League Baseball's commitment to the Jackie Robinson Celebration Game at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida, it will donate tickets and snacks for 125 children and their parents from the Gifford Youth Achievement Center to attend this year's event on April 15.

I knew I couldn't leave New York without an opportunity to appreciate the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. Located at the entrance of the New York Mets' Citi Field, the Rotunda celebrates the life of Jackie Robinson with several commemorative murals embellishing the monument. Lining the walls are the nine values Jackie exhibited throughout his career: courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment and excellence. These characteristics became a part of Jackie's legacy we remember today and serve as a reminder of his character during a difficult time in American history.

Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated each year on April 15 in recognition of his major league debut in 1947 as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers. As the baseball national holiday approaches, Minor League Baseball has the distinct honor and eternal responsibility to celebrate his legacy. Before making this historic jump to the majors, Jackie spent the 1946 season in the minors guiding the Montreal Royals to the International League championship and the Junior World Series title. He spent the year prior playing shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues.

In 1948, Branch Rickey and the Brooklyn Dodgers adopted the state of Florida as their spring training home when they took over an old naval air station in Vero Beach. In this new location, though described as a reservation in its early years, the Dodgers escaped at least a fraction of Jim Crow laws of the time. Barriers continued to fall as players dined, lodged and trained together during spring training for the first time since the arrival of Jackie Robinson and John Wright. This national baseball landmark would be called Dodgertown, and though the team relocated to Los Angeles in 1958, it would remain the home for the Dodgers spring training for 60 years.

In 2008, the facility was temporarily closed after the departure of Dodgers spring training. The following year, Minor League Baseball reopened the facility with the intent to reconnect the landmark to its history and the surrounding community. In 2014, Historic Dodgertown's Holman Stadium hosted its first Jackie Robinson Celebration game with more than 4,000 fans attending the inaugural event. This year, as part of the day's activities, MiLB will provide admission and snacks to more than 100 children from the Gifford Youth Achievement Center.

"It's an opportunity to reflect on a huge part of our history," said Pat O'Conner, President & CEO of Minor League Baseball. "What Jackie did not only changed baseball, it profoundly affected America and the world. He started breaking down those barriers right in Vero Beach."

The Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC) offers quality programs for children of all ages that will develop self-esteem, teach character, and encourage each child to reach his or her ultimate potential. Through these programs and activities, GYAC aims to increase high school and college graduation rates, enhance youth and adult success and increase the positive sense of worth within every individual they serve. Reaching children in the Gifford, Sebastian, Vero Beach and Wabasso areas of Indian River County, GYAC offers additional programming for adults and senior citizens.

The St. Lucie Mets will host the Brevard County Manatees at 6:35 p.m. at Historic Dodgertown's Holman Stadium. Gates will open at 5 p.m. with opening ceremonies beginning at approximately 6:15 p.m., including O'Conner addressing the crowd. A post-game fireworks display, sponsored by The Brackett Family Foundation, will complete the evening's festivities.

Admission is $5 with proceeds benefitting the United Way of Indian River County.

"Dodgertown is a very special place on a lot of levels," added O'Conner. "I applaud Peter O'Malley, Craig Callan and everybody for their efforts to get this event together. It's just great to get Minor League games back in there."