Minor League Baseball teams will mark Jackie Robinson Day with special games and celebrations at historic ballparks on April 15. The Florida State League’s Jackie Robinson Celebration Game, which honors the legacy of the baseball legend and raises funds for the United Way of Indian River County, will take place at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida.
The game will feature the Jupiter Hammerheads and the Palm Beach Cardinals, who will play as their Frozen Iguanas alternate identity. The Jupiter team includes seven of Miami’s Top 30 prospects, among them left-hander Thomas White, ranked No. 14 by Major League Baseball. The Palm Beach roster features four of St. Louis’ Top 30 prospects.
The annual event began in 2014 and is held at a facility formerly known as Historic Dodgertown, where Jackie Robinson played during his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers. “The facility hosted its first game on March 31, 1948; reigning Rookie of the Year Jackie Robinson played in that game.” After a hiatus due to renovations and pandemic-related disruptions, last year’s celebration marked its return to Vero Beach following upgrades completed in autumn of 2024.
Elsewhere in Florida, Daytona’s Jackie Robinson Ballpark—home to the Single-A Daytona Tortugas—will also host a tribute game against the St. Lucie Mets on April 15. The Tortugas’ roster includes seven Cincinnati Reds prospects from their Top 30 list while three Mets’ Top prospects are playing for St. Lucie this season.
Daytona’s stadium is notable as it was where Robinson first played as part of Brooklyn’s organization during an exhibition match on March 17, 1946. The location was chosen after another city rejected hosting an integrated team; Daytona’s welcoming atmosphere stemmed from community-building efforts led by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.
On Jackie Robinson Day each year, Daytona players wear No.9—the number worn by Robinson when he played there—and fans can view plaques and interactive displays honoring his career.
