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Journalism on Display: The Undefeated, ESPN Honor Jackie Robinson Day With Original Content

Multi-platform storytelling, doubleheader game coverage highlight ESPN's examination of Robinson's legacy

ESPN reporter/producer Willie Weinbaum stands before an artistic depiction in progress of Jackie Robinson’s historic handshake with teammate George Shuba in the Bedi-Makky Art Foundry in Brooklyn, N.Y. (Bryan Brousseau)

Thursday, April 15, marked Jackie Robinson Day – a time to recognize, honor, and celebrate Robinson’s legacy, which included breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier on that day in 1947. Robinson also made countless other history-making contributions in the years that preceded and followed.

This week, many writers told incredibly powerful stories about Robinson. Willie Weinbaum told the story of “The Handshake” between Robinson and teammate George Shuba. The moment, which occurred 75 years ago this weekend, is also currently being immortalized as a bronze statue (more from Weinbaum on the piece here). Additionally, The Undefeated and ESPN debuted a brand film that articulates and celebrates the idea of Black History Always.

In addition, ESPN commemorated Robinson’s life and legacy during its April 13 MLB doubleheader game coverage, which included a diverse set of special guests to tell the story of Robinson’s impact in baseball and beyond. In addition to player interviews, filmmaker Ken Burns, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Bob Kendrick, and NFL legend Jim Brown joined the telecast to share their personal stories of Robinson’s lasting legacy in today’s world beyond baseball.

Many other new and previously published stories were highlighted as well (examples below). Read more at The Undefeated.

Katie Hughes contributed to this post.

– Michael Skarka and Mac Nwulu

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