Why are MLB players wearing No. 42 on their jerseys today?

The number 42 holds a special significance in the world of baseball and today, Monday 15 April, staff on all sides can be seen donning the number.

It holds a special meaning as it is the number used to remember Jackie Robinson, who broke the colour barrier in the sport back in 1947, when he moved from the Negro Leagues to MLB.

The Dodgers bet on Robinson and it paid off spectacularly, with the player going on to have a Hall-of-Fame career. He made his debut as the first non-white player to play MLB on April 15, marking the day in the history books of the United States.

As such, every year as of 2004, MLB has honoured Robinson by giving the opportunity for everyone involved in the game to wear the number 42.

Which players have worn the number 42 in MLB?

Only eight players in AL/NL history have worn the number for 10 or more seasons, with three Hall of Famers making the list:

Does any other player wear number 42 in MLB?

The number 42 is also a retired number, meaning nobody is allowed the number, as happens in other sports such as basketball and soccer.

Former Tigers player Alan Trammell told MLB: “I’m proud of the fact that I wore No. 42 for one month and I know the significance of that. That means a great deal to me and obviously many others. But do I actually remember all that? I do not. That’s a lot that happened in a short period of time.”

“It was by just by good fortune that I was given that number,” Trammell added. “But I do know about the history of the game... you start reading and hearing more things. And what he went through – and others, but particularly Jackie, because he was the first – you just shake your head. It’s just terrible. But it gives you a perspective of how tough Jackie Robinson was and he’s getting the recognition that’s long overdue. But it is nice to bring it to everybody’s attention.”