Nike Celebrates Jackie Robinson Day

 

Today, Wednesday April 15, marks Major League Baseball’s annual Jackie Robinson Day. Robinson, was the first African-American Major League Baseball Player. He made his MLB debut on April 15, 1947 playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  

As part of the celebration, Nike is releasing a special baseball cleat based on the Ken Griffey Jr. signature “Swingman” shoe  with Robinson’s number “42″ etched on the heel. Nike baseball athletes who will be wearing the shoe during upcoming baseball games include Ken Griffey, Jr. (Seattle Mariners), Jimmy Rollins (Philadelphia Phillies), Derrek Lee (Chicago Cubs) and others. 

A non-cleated, turf version of the shoe will hit select NIke retailers starting  May 1, 2009.