Number Forty-Two
The number that broke the barrier and united a league in honor.
Number Forty-Two holds a singular place in the history of Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball. It serves as a permanent tribute to Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball's color barrier in 1947 while playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers before joining the franchise when it moved west. Unlike other retired numbers assigned to specific players based on their tenure, Forty-Two is unique across all of Major League Baseball, honoring Robinson's universal impact on civil rights and the sport.
Quick Facts
- Debut year
- 1947
Facts from the source article.
Background
Decades after Robinson's passing, the legacy of Number Forty-Two transcended statistics to become a living covenant across the diamond. For the Dodgers specifically, this isn't just a retired digit; it is a sacred tether connecting the franchise's Los Angeles era directly to its Brooklyn roots and the courage required to shatter baseball's color barrier.
Did You Know?
- Every player on the field wears #42 on April 15th to honor Jackie Robinson Day.
- Grandfathered players like Mariano Rivera were allowed to wear the number until they retired.
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