The Toronto Blue Jays have been around the MLB for a long time. However, the only remaining Canadian baseball franchise never saw the light of day against Jackie Robinson.
On April 15th, 2026, it is Jackie Robinson Day. The Blue Jays are paying a heartwarming tribute to the baseball legend as they prepare for their second game in a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Here is what you need to know about Robinson, his connection to the Blue Jays, Canada, and what the Blue Jays are doing to celebrate him.
What Are the Toronto Blue Jays Doing to Celebrate Jackie Robinson Day?
In a wonderful gesture, the entire active Blue Jays roster has changed their jersey numbers to 42. They have done this to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, whose number was 42.
While it’s not clear whether they will keep their new number for the entirety of the game, they will at least warm up in their Jackie Robinson Day tribute jerseys. Fans can see the full list of players whose jersey numbers have changed on the transactions page of the Blue Jays website.
Who is Jackie Robinson?
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play modern baseball, according to the Jackie Robinson Museum website.
“Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era,” the website says. “He would later become the first African American named a vice president at a fortune 500 company; serve as an advisor to politicians; start a bank and a housing development company; and, was a key figure in advancing equal opportunity and first-class citizenship for all Americans during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s.”
Jackie Robinson Stats & Facts
Here are some key facts and stats to know about Jackie Robinson.
- Birthday: January 31st, 1919
- Birthplace: Cairo, Georgia
- MLB Debut: April 15th, 1947
- MLB Awards: Rookie of the Year (1947), MVP Award (1949), World Series Championship (1955).
- Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, becoming the first African American to do so.
- MLB Team: Brooklyn Dodgers (Who would become the Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Career Stats: 141 HR, .313 AVG, 203 Stolen Bases, 765 RBIs, 1568 Hits, 287 Doubles.
Jackie Robinson had his number retired by the Dodgers in 1972. Robinson’s MLB debut happening on April 15th is why it is now known as Jackie Robinson Day.
Blue Jays Continue Series vs Brewers
The Blue Jays play their second game of a three-game series against the Brewers on Wednesday night. Toronto won its first game against Milwaukee, with a 9-7 extra-innings affair.
The Blue Jays scored six runs in the ninth and 10th innings to come out with the victory. Louis Varland walked away with the win, pitching 1.1 innings. He threw two strikeouts and only surrendered two hits in his outing.
Myles Straw would deliver the win with his two-RBI double in the top of the 10th inning, driving home Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Jesus Sanchez.
For Wednesday night’s game, Dylan Cease is the expected starting pitcher. We will wait to see if there are any changes to the lineup. If anything, there will be one or two tweaks.
The game begins at 7:40 PM Eastern Standard Time and will be broadcast on MLB.tv and Sportsnet One.
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