DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As the story of Jackie Robinson is told in movie theaters worldwide this week, Bethune-Cookman University athletics is offering those movie-goers an additional opportunity to experience the start of Robinson's ascent to the Major Leagues first-hand.
The Wildcats baseball team will provide free admission to this weekend's series at Jackie Robinson Ballpark to those who bring their ticket stub from theupcoming Warner Bros. movie “42.” First pitch for Saturday's doubleheader is 1 p.m. and Sunday's finale is slated for 1 p.m.
Bethune-Cookman and its founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, played a role in the Robinson story when the Brooklyn Dodger participated in spring training in 1946 as a member of the Montreal Royals farm team. It was Dr. Bethune's influence that permitted Robinson's first exhibition game – played on March 17, 1946 in the ballpark that now bears his name – to take place when other Florida cities would not allow it due to segregation laws. Robinson would join the Dodgers the following year in 1947, breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier.
In addition to the game, fans can also view numerous plaques and activities that highlight Robinson's athletic abilities and sociological impact located on the western wall of the ballpark clubhouse, as well as enjoying the Jackie Robinson Museum also housed at the ballpark.
“Bethune-Cookman is proud of its part in the legacy of Jackie Robinson,” said B-CU Director of Athletics Lynn W. Thompson. “Having Jackie Robinson's story being told in a major movie production gives us the opportunity to tell the story of our founder and her contributions to our society as well. What better way to do so than giving a hands-on experience … and a great day of family fun at the ballpark.”
Thompson, whose father watched that game from the Jim Crow section of the ballpark, has arranged a private screening of the movie for B-CU student-athletes Thursday evening. In addition to the movie, Thompson will be joined by “Doc” Graham, a B-C graduate and former Negro League star who was a close friend of Robinson and local Historian Bill Schuman in a round-table discussion.
The Wildcats baseball team, which has won seven consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships – and 16 total dating back to 1985, currently holds a 20-17 record and leads the MEAC Southern Division with a 10-5 league mark. North Carolina Central (21-14, 9-6 MEAC) sits just a game behind the Cats entering Daytona Beach this weekend.
For more information, contact the B-CU athletic department at (386) 481-2278.
