Abdul-Jabbar told stories about becoming a Brooklyn Dodger fan at a young age because of Robinson and getting to meet him later in life. “Jack always had the idea that he was an equal human being

Jackie Robinson’s legacy is being celebrated around the major leagues on Tuesday, with the day named for the first Black baseball player of the modern era and marking the 78th anniversary of his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

MLB chose to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day on April 15 to mark the anniversary of his first game with the Dodgers. Robinson officially broke the color barrier April 15, 1947. On that date, Robinson started at first base and hit second in a 5-3 win over the Boston Braves. Robinson went 0-for-3 with a sacrifice bunt in his first game in the majors.