Basketball icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made a special appearance at Dodger Stadium in a wheelchair on Tuesday to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day. He visited the statue of Robinson situated outside the stadium and offered heartfelt reflections on the significance of the day, which is observed annually across Major League Baseball.
Jackie Robinson Day, celebrated every April 15th, marks the groundbreaking debut of Jackie Robinson in 1947 when he broke baseball’s color barrier by starting at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers. This year marks the 78th anniversary of that historic moment.
Fans, along with current Dodgers players, gathered outside the stadium to hear Abdul-Jabbar share a cherished memory involving two of his childhood heroes—Jackie Robinson and Bill Russell.
Abdul-Jabbar recalled, “I was Rookie of the Year in 1970 and was attending a luncheon at Mama Leone’s, an Italian restaurant in New York City, to receive the award. I was sitting and talking with Bill Russell, another one of my heroes, when Jackie Robinson entered the restaurant. He and Bill were close friends. Jackie came over to our table, and we had a chance to talk. That was the first time I met him, and I can’t express how happy I was. I still have a photo of the three of us at my breakfast table—because those are the people I want to remember.”
Kareem shares a story for the Dodgers and Rockies in front of the Jackie Robinson statue 💙 pic.twitter.com/6Tp5MKU2iW
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) April 15, 2025
Reflecting further on Robinson’s legacy with the Dodgers, Abdul-Jabbar highlighted the profound impact Robinson had both on and off the field. He helped lead the Dodgers to their first World Series championship in 1955, finally triumphing over the Yankees after years of disappointment. His illustrious baseball career also includes being named the National League MVP in 1949 and earning six All-Star selections.
Beyond his accomplishments in baseball, Robinson served as an inspiration for countless Black athletes aspiring to play in the major leagues.
Speaking outside the ballpark, Abdul-Jabbar remarked, “Jack gave everything to the Dodgers—his heart, soul, and body. That 1955 World Series win is one of the happiest memories of my life. I couldn’t believe it actually happened, but it did.”
As the Dodgers took on the Colorado Rockies on Jackie Robinson Day, fans were reminded once again of the lasting impact of Robinson’s courage and contribution to the game of baseball and beyond.