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Ken Griffey Jr. was first to ask to wear No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day
TL;DR
Ken Griffey Jr. was the first player to request wearing Jackie Robinson's No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day. This occurred in 1997, marking the 50th anniversary of Robinson's debut, and led to the number being worn by all players in 2009.
Throughout MLB, Jackie Robinson's No. 42 is worn on April 15, Jackie Robinson Day.
Former Moeller High School standout and Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. was the first to ask to wear Robinson's number on this day.
In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of Robinson's big-league debut, then-MLB commissioner Bud Selig retired Robinson's number. Griffey, who was playing for Seattle at the time, asked to switch from his No. 24 to Robinson's 42. Griffey said Selig suggested asking Rachel Robinson, Jackie's widow.
Griffey was told he could wear No. 42, with the offer also extended to any player wanting to honor Robinson by doing so. In 2009, Selig announced that everyone in uniform would wear the number on Jackie Robinson Day.
The Reds tweeted April 15 about Griffey's Jackie Robinson Day connection:
One year ago, Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz was among Nike Jumpman MLB players wearing Nike Griffey 2 MCS Jackie Robinson Day cleats to honor the National Baseball Hall of Famer who broke baseball's color barrier.
Griffey's Swingman logo was embroidered on the heel of the shoe, and "42" logos in colors representing MLB teams were featured, with additional "42" branding on the insoles.
In 2024, De La Cruz wore custom Jordan 4 shoes with "JRD" and "42" on them for Jackie Robinson Day. De La Cruz had signed with the Jordan brand the previous offseason.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ken Griffey Jr. was first to ask to wear No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day
Q&A
Why did Ken Griffey Jr. want to wear No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day?
Ken Griffey Jr. wanted to honor Jackie Robinson on the 50th anniversary of his debut by switching from his No. 24 to Robinson's No. 42.
What year did MLB retire Jackie Robinson's number 42?
MLB retired Jackie Robinson's number 42 in 1997, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of his debut.
When did all MLB players start wearing No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day?
All MLB players began wearing No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day starting in 2009.
