A-Rod, Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano wearing number 42 to honor Jackie Robinson.

words // Nick Engvall

Each year for the past few years, on April 15th, Major League Baseball players have ditched their standard jersey numbers and worn number 42 in honor of the great Jackie Robinson. It was that day in 1947 that Robinson played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field became the first African American to play in what is known today as Major League Baseball. Thanks to Mr. Robinson’s courage, character and talent was able to open doors for countless others who have played the game of baseball since that day.

The MLB has retired the jersey number 42 to honor Jackie Robinson, and as of now, the only remaining player in the league to wear #42 as his jersey number is New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. Rivera was one of the many to honor Rachel Robinson the wife of Jackie Robinson and her daughter Sharon Robinson during the April 15th game at Yankee Stadium.

In the same game, Yankees catcher Russell Martin unveiled one of the most unique cleats we’ve seen in our MLB Watch coverage. Check out the images below courtesy of Yahoo.

Rachel Robinson the wife of Jackie Robinson and her daughter Sharon Robinson meet Mariano Rivera.

John Lackey wearing the Nike Zoom Coop V.

Justin Morneau of the Twins wearing Reebok baseball cleats.

Jayson Werth wearing the adidas Diamond King.

Jason Heyward wearing Nike Swingman batting gloves.

A good look at the player exclusive Nike Shox Fuse 2 worn by David Wright.

Brendan Ryan of the Mariners wearing the Nike Air Show Elite 2.

Coco Crisp of the A’s steals a bag in the adidas adiZero Diamond King.

A look at Andrew McCutchen’s player exclusive Nike Baseball cleats and batting gloves.

Alfonso Soriano in a nice colorway of the Under Armour Yard II.

Russell Martin wearing a cleated version of the Nike Hyperdunk 2010.

Another look at Russell Martin’s cleated version of the Nike Hyperdunk.