SECAUCUS, N.J. -- Without Jackie Robinson, the game of baseball and the spirit it embodies would not look or feel nearly the same as it does today. Of course, the game existed before him, but it was forever changed after him, due not only to his impact on the field, but also his long-lasting and inspiring work off of it.
Robinson¡¯s legacy was remembered again on Friday at the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars luncheon. Young people from some of the nation¡¯s top colleges and universities gathered at the MLB Network studios to recognize all they¡¯ve accomplished so far, and what¡¯s to come in their very bright futures.
¡°The most important thing that baseball is able to do is impact communities, most importantly [through] work off the field,¡± said April Brown, MLB¡¯s senior vice president of social responsibility and diversity.
Robinson, through his many charitable and philanthropic acts, embodied this pillar of community building and giving back, qualities that are reinforced to the scholars in attendance through workshops, mentoring and leadership training.
¡°He has everything that these young people also desire to have -- to pursue their passion, to break ceilings and to be able to have professional careers in any area that they choose,¡± Brown said.
Rachel Robinson, Jackie Robinson¡¯s wife, established the foundation in 1973 following the death of her husband. The foundation gives four-year scholarships to minority students who demonstrate a need for financial assistance and a record of academic excellence, which is the case for so many students in cities and rural areas across the country.
With March also being Women¡¯s History Month, Major League Baseball does not forget the impact Rachel Robinson and other women like her have on the game of baseball and all those who love it.
¡°She founded the Jackie Robinson Foundation and this was literally her dream to set young people up for success,¡± Brown said. ¡°So to be a part of both of their legacies is just another indication of the power of baseball.¡±
The luncheon included a selection of pastas, meats, vegetables and desserts, all courtesy of the MLB Network dining facilities. After lunch, scholars were treated to a panel of MLB employees and personalities, including a special talk with two-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner and current MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds.
The former second baseman shared anecdotes and advice on everything from forging your career path to what it takes to overcome adversity, as one must often do when playing the sport of baseball.
He also acknowledged the entire reason the luncheon and the foundation existed: because of what Jackie Robinson did before, during and after he stepped foot on the baseball field.
¡°I think history tells the story of who you are,¡± Reynolds said. ¡°You don't know where you're going if you don't know where you came from.
¡°And because you know the story of Jackie, you understand where [we¡¯re] headed because of where we're coming from.¡±
And where these scholars come from is not always the easiest of circumstances or backgrounds, but like Robinson, they all continue to move towards a meaningful future. This includes pursuing any profession or career path that interests them, which is what the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship and its recipients embody.
Those recipients include Kylee Duvey, a senior finance major at the University of Denver who is in his final year of being a Jackie Robinson Foundation scholar.
¡°My experience as a Jackie Robinson scholar, it's been pretty amazing, to be honest,¡± said Duvey. ¡°I've been connected with a lot of other college individuals that are very ambitious ¡ and it's really been something that's inspired me to be the best I can be.¡±
In addition to the luncheon, the scholars were treated to an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the MLB Network facilities. This included visits to the ever-impressive Studio 42 and Studio K, the home of some of baseball¡¯s most recognizable and beloved TV programs.
The excitement was clear, especially from newer scholarship winners like pre-medical student Makiya Knazze, a sophomore at Ohio State. Knazze is halfway through her time as a scholar and already feels the impact of her time in the program.
¡°I came from the South Suburbs of Chicago,¡± she shared. ¡°I never thought I would be here in New York talking to directors and executives and being able to meet such intelligent peers like myself.¡±
¡°It's actually making me want to create more goals, making me want to think larger and bigger, and really want to take on leadership roles, not just at school, but in everyday life,¡± said Knazze.
And to those future scholars who are hesitant or wondering whether applying would be a good idea, the future physician's assistant has one simple message: ¡°I would definitely say go for it.¡±
With Opening Day and graduation season quickly approaching, these scholars are poised to take the next step in their academic and professional careers, continuing to honor the legacy of Jackie Robinson.