La Vida Baseball

Celebrating Jackie Robinson Day, Puig makes a friend and a Padre with his parents

By Tab Bamford

Remembering Robinson

Monday is Jackie Robinson Day across Major League Baseball. As we discussed on La Vida Baseball Live on Monday, Robinson was a trailblazer whose impact continues to be significant for Latinos.

Robinson Canó was one of the many who took time to share their perspective of Robinson’s enduring impact on social media.

Minor League Baseball also honored the legacy of Robinson, including the Spokane Indians (Class A short-season affiliate of the Texas Rangers).

Puig your friend

Yasiel Puig made a friend for life during the Mexico Series this weekend. MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez shared a young fan who caught Puig’s batting gloves in the stands.

Gio’s done with the Guerreros

Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic caught up with Gio Gonzalez, who has now faced Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and Jr. to get his thoughts on the family. Not surprisingly, Gonzalez will be happy to avoid either one of them.

Bad Bunny in Tampa

Rays righthander José De León was happy to share a moment – and a signed jersey – with Bad Bunny over the weekend.

Fan Post of the Day

This fan did a terrific job of expressing his appreciation for Robinson’s legacy.

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{42} ———— “Today, Negroes play on every big league club and in every minor league. With millions of other Negroes in other walks of life, we are willing to stand up and be counted for what we believe in.” ——— (Excerpt from a #jackierobinson quote.) ——— I can go back to my childhood think about the love for the game. The possibilities, opportunities, the lessons I learned growing up playing the game of baseball. Through many little leagues to playing at school leagues. Also witnessing many going through college ball and even playing minor league. Having someone like Robinson to look back to. To understand the sacrifice, the passion, struggles he endure to paved the way for us to enjoy the game like we did, and still do today, as a coach. Is just an experience. —— Today, @mlb honors Robinson by wearing #42. To continue to honor the man that changed the game beyond statistics. Giving the opportunity to many young players the challenge to keep the legacy going. My responsibility is to coach the generations to come. Put in the work, keep dreaming, it can happen. . . . #jackierobinsonday #mlb #yankeesbaseball #littleleaguebaseball #nyc #nyy #honor #respect #ilovethisgame #baseball #beisbol #respect #opportunity #challenge #YESnetwork #ESPN #jackie42 #dreams #hustle #goals #coaching #studentathlete —— #iphoneography #iphonecamera #apple #shotwithiphone #renovatioshots #renovatioshots

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Pro Post of the Day

Gerardo Reyes got the call every prospect dreams about last week and was able to share his major league moment with mom and dad. Reyes earned a win in relief in his major league debut on Saturday.

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Mom and Dad, we made it ❤️

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OTD

1942 – At Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis, Hiram Bithorn becomes the first Puerto Rican to play in major league baseball. The Cubs right-handed pitcher from Santurce makes a relief appearance in the 4 – 2 loss to the Cardinals.

1947 – Jackie Robinson makes his historic debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African-American to play major league baseball.

1969 – Roberto Clemente‘s first hit of the season is a 1st inning home run onto the street beyond the left field wall at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Clemente, who had been 0-12 to begin the season, took a Joe Niekro fastball deep.

1972 – Oakland’s Reggie Jackson, wearing a fashionable mustache, becomes the first major league player with facial hair since Frenchy Bordagaray in 1936.

1987 – Juan Nieves throws the first no-hitter in Milwaukee Brewers history, winning 7-0 against the Baltimore Orioles.

2008 – Seattle’s José López ties a unique major league record in the Mariners’ 11-6 win over the Royals. López becomes the 12th player in big league history to hit three sacrifice flies in one game.

Happy Birthday!

Adeiny Hechavarría (b. 1989)
Yoel Hernández (b. 1980)
Reynaldo García (b. 1974)
Ricky Otero (b. 1972)
Leo Posada (b. 1936)