Morgan to wear No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day

INDIANAPOLIS -- Outfielder Nyjer Morgan will wear No. 42 on Sunday afternoon as the Indianapolis Indians pay tribute to baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson. The Tribe and Richmond Braves square off in the finale of a three-game series at The Diamond, with first pitch slated for 2 p.m.

Sunday marks the 60th anniversary of Robinson's first Major League game. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and Robinson's widow, Rachel, are scheduled to be part of a ceremony at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Robinson will also be honored before the other 14 big league games on Sunday.

A recent article on MLB.com said, "when Robinson stepped between the lines at Ebbets Field on April 15, 1947, the impact of his feat not only changed baseball, but it helped change laws and views in American society in the years that followed."

The No. 42 has been retired in all of professional baseball, but the professional baseball teams have been given permission to wear it on Sunday.

"It's such an honor to wear Jackie Robinson's number," Morgan says. "I found out three days ago, and have been really excited about the opportunity ever since. There's no doubt I'll be nervous with No. 42 on my back."

Morgan is one of three African-American players on the 2007 Indianapolis roster. OF Rajai Davis and LHP Shane Youman are the other two.