INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Historic Dodgertown and United Way of Indian River County have announced the Third Annual Jackie Robinson Celebration Game will take place on Friday, April 15, 2016.
The Florida State League’s Brevard County Manatees will host the St. Lucie Mets at Holman Stadium at the event co-sponsored by Massey Romans Wealth Management Team of Raymond James and Route 60 Hyundai.
“Historic Dodgertown is thrilled to once again partner with the United Way of Indian River County in hosting the Jackie Robinson Celebration Game,” said Brady Ballard, Vice President, Historic Dodgertown. “We also want to recognize the efforts of the Mets and Manatees organizations, their Major League affiliates, the Florida State League office and Minor League Baseball in supporting this event that has truly become a great event for the Indian River County community.”
April 15 will mark the 69th anniversary of Jackie Robinson making his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers and will be recognized nationally throughout professional baseball.
Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 to become the first African-American to play Major League Baseball. The following spring in 1948, Dodgertown became the first and only integrated spring training site in the south.
“Anytime we get the opportunity to celebrate the life, accomplishments and legacy of Jackie Robinson, it is an opportunity to perpetuate his courage, vision and commitment,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “Baseball is the great game it is today, in large part, because of the career of Jackie Robinson. Minor League Baseball is proud to be a part of this annual celebration in Vero Beach as we play a game at Historic Dodgertown to honor him.”
Advance tickets purchased Monday, March 28 through Wednesday, April 13, will sell for $6 each at all Seacoast and Marine Banks in Indian River, St. Lucie, and Brevard Counties, as well as at the United Way Center in Vero Beach and at Historic Dodgertown while supplies last.
Thursday, April 14, and Friday, April 15, tickets will sell at two locations, only, United Way Center and Historic Dodgertown, and ticket price is $8. Net ticket proceeds will benefit community service programs through the United Way of Indian River County. Check www.unitedwayirc.org/jackierobinson for more details.
“The Manatees franchise is proud to continue its partnership with Historic Dodgertown and the St. Lucie Mets in celebration of Jackie Robinson and his impact on America’s pastime,” said Kyle Smith, General Manager of the Brevard County Manatees.
“United Way is grateful to participate in the Jackie Robinson Celebration Game,” United Way CEO Michael Kint explained. “This has become a phenomenal community-wide event that’s family friendly, affordable, and lots of fun. Proceeds from ticket sales will help us do our job providing people with access to a good education, financial stability and quality health care.”
The first Jackie Robinson Celebration game in 2014 saw the Manatees defeat the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 7-1 in front of over 4,000 fans. Last year, the crowd grew to 6,000 as the Mets defeated the Manatees, 9-3.
“The St. Lucie Mets are once again honored to play in the Jackie Robinson Celebration Game. Last year was a tremendous experience for our players, coaches, staff and fans. To be involved in a game at a historic venue like Holman Stadium and play in front of almost 6,000 fans was a highlight for our entire organization. We look forward to sharing this unique experience with a new group of Mets players in 2016,” said Traer Van Allen, General Manager, St. Lucie Mets.
