April 14, 2008
Sooo….more people wearing Jackie Robinson’s #42 on the annual Jackie Robinson Day will kill the meaning? That’s apparently what Torii Hunter thinks.
This is what Los Angeles Angels outfield Torii Hunter said, to USA Today: “This is supposed to be an honor, and just a handful of guys wearing the number. Now you’ve got entire teams doing it. I think we’re killing the meaning. It should be special wearing Jackie’s number, not just because it looks cool.”
Torii, you are honoring a guy who broke color barriers and transcended sports. This isn’t the same thing as too many people wearing flannel shirts and Pearl Jam t-shirts back in 1993.
Photo Caption: “When I retire, I have a strong feeling that I won’t garner the 5% needed to remain on the Hall of Fame ballot?”
I kind of agree with Torii on this. It should be reserved for those that are truly affected by the breaking of the color barrier. Personally, I think it should be black players and maybe the entire Dodgers team that wears the number. I think entire teams being forced to wear the number waters down the honor that some wish to give to their idol.
Latinos and Asians are affected by the breaking of the color barrier. How would we determine who was really black? Is Big Papi black? Or is he Latino? Or Latino black if there is such a thing?
Jackie Robinson did a great thing and I think anyone that wants to honor him should be allowed.