Dodgers, MLB honor Jackie Robinson’s centennial year

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Vin Scully joined the widow of his friend Jackie Robinson to honor the player who broke baseball’s color barrier during Robinson’s centennial birthday celebration.

Scully was a surprise attendee for pre-game ceremonies at Dodger Stadium on Monday night.

Robinson’s 96-year-old widow, Rachel, was joined by the couple’s daughter, Sharon, and son, David, on the field.

Robinson became the first black player in Major League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. Scully began calling the team’s games three years later, and the now-retired Hall of Fame announcer was friendly off the field with the man he called “Jack.”

Robinson, who died at age 53 in 1972, would have turned 100 on Jan. 31.

His No. 42 was worn by every major leaguer Monday. The number was retired around the major leagues in 1997.