(KNSI) – The St. Cloud Morning Optimist Club’s Lesson in Leadership presentation for April will focus on Jackie Robinson Day.
The meeting is scheduled for noon on Wednesday, April 5th, at Pizza Ranch in Waite Park. St. Cloud State University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Quincy Henderson is the presenter. Club member Denny Smith says the Robinson story is a fascinating one and there are several great anecdotes to share about the historic breaking of the color barrier in professional sports.
“When he first took the field the fans were booing and booing and booing and Pee Wee Reese was the shortstop, came over to Jackie who was playing first base put his arm around him, and said, ‘Jackie tomorrow, let’s all wear number 42 then they won’t know which one you are.'”
Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated by Major League Baseball each year on April 15th, the anniversary of when he was called up to the Brooklyn Dodgers. The number 42 is retired league-wide, except on that day.
Smith says the focus on Robinson will go beyond the event.
“We offer organizations a chance to become kind of a sponsor. They have the ability to buy 25 t-shirts. Their logo goes on the front and the number 42 goes on the back. And then we give that away to youth organizations. The Optimist Club is giving ours to Boys and Girls Clubs [of Central Minnesota].”
Smith says he hopes kids who receive a shirt will wear it on Friday, April 14th, and then at home over the weekend on the 15th. He says it should be a great conversation starter for people who don’t know about the Jackie Robinson story.
The monthly Lesson in Leadership talks are open to the public and free of charge. Food is available through a Dutch Treat lunch. Presentations start at 12:15 and each event is over at 1:00 p.m.
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