Museum to Unveil New Jackie Robinson Plaque

Rachel Robinson to Join in Rededication of Eternal Tribute to Baseball Legend, Pioneer

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will unveil a new plaque of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, featuring updated language to further honor his legacy, this Saturday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Gallery. The ceremony will feature Rachel Robinson, Jackie's widow, as she shares her thoughts on her late husband's legacy.

Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, Jackie Robinson compiled a Hall of Fame career over 10 major league seasons, capturing the 1949 National League Most Valuable Player Award and the 1947 National League Rookie of the Year Award, after breaking baseball's color barrier on April 15, 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. A six-time All-Star, Robinson compiled a .311 career batting average, totaling 1,518 hits, 137 home runs, 734 RBI, 947 runs scored and 197 stolen bases.

A new plaque has been cast, with the language to be revealed for the first time Saturday at the ceremony, further documenting Robinson's lasting legacy on the game. Text of Jackie Robinson's existing plaque can be found online at www.baseballhall.org. Since his induction in July 1962, Robinson's plaque has been on permanent display in the Hall of Fame Gallery, leaving its location just once, this past March, to travel to the Civil Rights Game in Memphis.

"When he earned election to the Hall of Fame in 1962, Jackie Robinson totaled a career worthy of inclusion based on performance alone," said Jeff Idelson, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. "Now, 46 years later, his impact is not fully defined without mention of his extreme courage in breaking baseball's color barrier. The time is right to recognize his contribution to history, not only as a Hall of Fame player, but also as a civil rights pioneer."

Rachel Robinson will make remarks at the 1:30 p.m. Ceremony and then will be featured in a members-only exclusive Voices of the Game Series discussion and question and answer session in the Museum, beginning at 3 p.m. Tickets remain for this special presentation with Mrs. Robinson at 3 p.m. and can be purchased for $10 (adults) and $5 (children) by calling 607-547-0397.

Robinson was elected to the Hall of Fame on his first ballot in 1962, receiving votes on 77.5 percent (124 or 160) of all ballots cast. One of the Museum's 16 education modules is themed after Robinson's contributions. Titled "Before You Can Say Jackie Robinson," the module explores civil rights in the cultural development of America and baseball.

Open seven days a week the year round, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, the Hall of Fame is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. until Memorial Day Weekend. Summer hours are from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. Ticket prices are $16.50 for adults (13 and over), $11 for seniors (65 and over) and for those holding current memberships in the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and AMVets organizations, and $6.50 for juniors (ages 7-12). Members are always admitted free of charge and there is no charge for children six years of age or younger, active and retired card-carrying military personnel. For more information, visit baseballhall.org.

Text of Jackie Robinson's existing Hall of Fame plaque:
JACK ROOSEVELT ROBINSON
BROOKLYN N.L. 1947 TO 1956
LEADING N.L. BATTER IN 1949. HOLDS
FIELDING MARK FOR SECOND BASEMAN
PLAYING IN 150 OR MORE GAMES WITH .992.
LED N.L. IN STOLEN BASES IN 1947 AND
1949. MOST VALUABLE PLAYER IN 1949.
LIFETIME BATTING AVERAGE .311. JOINT
RECORD HOLDER FOR MOST DOUBLE PLAYS
BY SECOND BASEMAN, 137 IN 1951.
LED SECOND BASEMAN IN DOUBLE
PLAYS 1949-50-51-52.