Jackie Robinson Day is on April 15 every year; however, because of the pandemic, MLB used today to honor Robinson and the day he was first called up to break the color barrier. Cubs Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins talks about the impact of Jackie Robinson Day with Cole Wright and Ryan Dempster on Cubs Live!

Jenkins knows that Jackie Robinson set a precedent for every young black baseball players. 

“As a player of color, he set a precedent. Without the opportunity to play Major League Baseball and have someone to be the first along with Larry Doby [the first Black player to play in the American League], I think he set a platform for every player of color. Jackie Robinson’s name should be in the forefront. He meant a lot to me,” Jenkins said. 

[RELATED: See how Jackie Robinson inspired young Black ballplayers]

When Jenkins first honored Robinson, they celebrated him, but never wore the No. 42 uniform. 

“I think the number one thing is Major League Baseball has had all the teams wear number 42. When I played baseball, we celebrated Jackie Robinson but we didn’t put the uniform on. Plus the fact that you wear the uniform one complete day, I think that tells the world that we’re celebrating someone who was very important to the game of baseball,” Jenkins said.

Watch the rest of this interview with Fergie Jenkins on Cubs Live!