Countdown to Spring Training - 42 Days

There's no doubt when you think of baseball and the number 42 that Jackie Robinson comes to mind. Robinson had a career and a life that was beyond admirable. In 1999, he made history again when his number "42" was retired amongst all Major League Baseball teams. It is the first number in history to be retired by all teams.

Though Jackie Robinson was not a former Blue Jay, Toronto retired his jersey along with the rest of the teams in Major League Baseball. In 2007, Ken Griffey Jr. approached Jackie Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson, to ask permission to wear the number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day (April 15). After receiving permission, Commissioner Bud Selig allowed Griffey to wear the jersey and extended the invitation to all Major League players to wear 42 as well.

The Blue Jays also supported the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day and had their players take part. A number of Blue Jays have ceremonially worn the number 42, including Vernon Wells, Shannon Stewart, Jose Bautista, and Royce Clayton to name a few.

Royce Clayton was only a member of the Toronto Blue Jays for a short while but as a member of the Blue Jays he wore number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day. Wearing the number 42 was an honor in itself but for Clayton, he is also involved with the Jackie Robinson Foundation after he was approached by Mrs. Robinson to be a part of the foundation.

Jackie Robinson may not have dawned the Blue Jays jersey but he's helped shape and change the game of baseball, and for that we celebrate his legacy, and his number - 42.

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