DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach is one step closer to becoming a National Historic Landmark after the U.S. Senate on Friday passed the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Commemorative Site Act.
The bill, introduced by U.S. Congressmen Mike Waltz and Darren Soto, would mark the ballpark as a National Commemorative Site to “honor the location where Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and played his first professional game.”
“Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach has been a landmark in the history of the Civil Rights movement and of Florida,” Waltz said in a release. “On March 17, 1946, Jackie Robinson changed professional baseball forever when he stepped out onto the field and broke the color barrier in the sport. His courage that day not only redefined the game but also signaled a profound step forward in the fight for civil rights in America. This bill preserves and honors Jackie Robinson’s legacy, the pivotal role he played in Daytona Beach’s history, and the lasting impact he made on America as a whole.”
The bill is now heading to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.
Larry Westbrook and Ellen Stroessner recall watching Jackie Robinson play during the 1950s, describing it as a monumental experience.
“The first time I saw him on TV, it was a unique experience, you know, being Black and coming in to play after not being able to for so long,” Westbrook said.
“Jackie Robinson was just an incredible man. Also incredible, what he did breaking the barrier,” Stroessner added.
It was here at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach where the legend broke the color barrier and played his first professional game in 1946.
Today, the park still honors Robinson’s legacy and serves as a premier site for minor league baseball teams.
During spring training of 1946, several southern cities including DeLand and Sanford wouldn’t allow Robinson to play. The Dodgers’ General Manager, Branch Rickey, had to find a city for the Montreal Royals minor league team that would accept Robinson.
“He thought first of Daytona Beach because he had heard of Mary McLeod-Bethune and her influence in moderating race relations,” local historian Leonard Lempel said.
Lempel said the Daytona Beach City Commission chose to ignore the segregation laws and give him a chance.
Kyle Schmidt, another local baseball fan, reflected on his experiences at the ballpark.
“I’ve seen several games here while growing up in Daytona. When they were the Cubs and now the Tortugas. I think it’s a historical monument and everything,” Schmidt said. “There’s been a lot of games and historical facts, like Jackie Robinson. It should be a historical landmark.”
Earlier this year, city officials put $30 million toward renovations at Jackie Robinson Ballpark to keep its history alive.
“The ballpark has been here for over 100 years and hopefully with what we’re doing now, baseball will be played here for another 100 years,” Daytona Tortugas general manager Jim Jaworski told News 6 in February.
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