It’s April 15th! You know what that means. No, not your taxes. (Those are due too, but hopefully it’s been taken care of.) Today is Jackie Robinson Day! Major League Baseball started Jackie Robinson Day five years ago as a celebration at the beginning of the baseball season. All the major league teams today will be wearing the number ’42,’ Robinson’s uniform number when he was active. The number ’42′ has been retired throughout the league, meaning no team can assign it to any of the active players. The weather is lovely, at least here in New York, and it’s a great way to celebrate springtime, America, and baseball.

Even if you’re not interested in America’s pastime, remember the huge civil rights victory that Jackie Robinson achieved in his career. Breaking the color barrier in baseball was an integral part of the civil rights movement. Although Jackie wasn’t technically the first colored player to ever play baseball, his abilities on the field and public personality brought national attention to the civil issue. His achievements have been dramatized in the new film, 42, that released last weekend. The film made $27.3 million in the opening weekend according to Warner Brothers.

Looking at the integration of race today, especially in sports, it seems ridiculous that just a generation ago we were segregated. In the past fifty years we’ve had so many ethnic athletes that in their own ways have shaped American culture. What would American sports and entertainment be like had we missed out on Michael Jordan, Muhammed Ali, and Tiger Woods. It’s easy to forget or not recognize the pivotal role Jackie Robinson has had on America. It’s much more than baseball. Jackie Robinson was a linchpin on the culture that we live in today. For that Mr. Robison, we thank you.