MLB, Clubs Strengthen Ties To Jackie Robinson Foundation

MLB has deepened its relationship with the Jackie Robinson Foundation, donating $1M to the Foundation’s museum project and funding a series of academic scholarships. The Foundation is seeking to develop a Jackie Robinson museum in N.Y. and has raised $21M toward a $24M construction goal. An opening date has not been set. MLB also will fund 30 four-year scholarships, one for each club, that will aid college-bound minority students and provide mentoring services.

MLB and its clubs have now collectively contributed more than $15M to the Foundation over its 43-year history. The additional financial contributions and programmatic efforts arrive as MLB is preparing to celebrate on Friday the 69th anniversary of Robinson breaking baseball’s color line. Thomas Tull, who produced the movie “42” about Robinson, also pledged $1M last month to the museum.