A new bill introduced on Monday aims to designate the historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach as a National Commemorative Site. The initiative, spearheaded by U.S. Congressmen Mike Waltz and Darren Soto, seeks to honor the pivotal location where legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson made history by breaking the color barrier in professional baseball.
Back in 1946, Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Montreal Royals, faced challenges in finding a city willing to host Robinson due to segregation laws in several southern cities. Eventually, Daytona Beach emerged as the chosen location, defying the prevailing racial norms of the time.
The bill, known as the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Commemorative Site Act, proposes the designation of the ballpark and home of the Daytona Tortugas as a National Commemorative Site. It also calls for a feasibility study to potentially grant the site the prestigious status of National Historic Landmark.
In a statement, Congressman Waltz underscored the historic significance of Jackie Robinson’s first professional game in Daytona Beach on March 17, 1946. He emphasized the enduring impact of Robinson’s actions on the Civil Rights Movement and the integration of baseball, calling for the preservation and celebration of his legacy.
Congressman Soto echoed these sentiments, describing Robinson’s legacy as a symbol of courage, resilience, and equality. He emphasized the enduring inspiration of Robinson’s journey through adversity, which not only transformed the sport of baseball but also ignited a broader movement for social change.
Various stakeholders, including Minor League Baseball‘s Government Relations Committee and the co-owner of the Daytona Tortugas, Bob Fregolle, expressed support for the bill. They lauded Jackie Robinson’s historic association with the Daytona ballpark and emphasized the importance of preserving his legacy for future generations.
The proposed legislation has garnered bipartisan backing, with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio set to introduce a companion bill in the Senate. The potential designation of the Jackie Robinson Ballpark as a National Commemorative Site aligns with recent efforts to invest $30 million in renovating the iconic venue.
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