Tampa Bay Rays celebrate Jackie Robinson day with community project

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WWSB) - This year marks the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier becoming the first Black man to play Major League Baseball in the modern era.

Each year, the Tampa Bay Rays work with relevant community partners on a volunteer project in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. This year, the Rays have partnered with Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, Nixon & Co. and the City of St. Petersburg on a day of service. The Rays and Bayfront have provided funding for a community garden in the heart of the 16th Street Business District.

Volunteers will work together to build 12 raised garden beds and beautify the main strip of the business district outside the garden location by laying new mulch in the medians from 7th Ave S to 18th Ave S in St. Petersburg. The mayor of St. Petersburg will also be in attendance to celebrate the important milestone.

All players and coaches will have jerseys and patches decked out with Robinson’s iconic uniform number 42 for the evening game on Friday April 15.