MLB is renaming Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla., the Jackie Robinson Training Complex. The Dodgers held Spring Training on the site from '53-'08, and it more recently has been a year-round training center. MLB, which took over operational control of the complex early this year from a group led by former Dodgers Owner Peter O’Malley, is planning a series of renovations. The league also will hold a series of youth tournaments and events at the site, including the newly renamed Hank Aaron Invitational for elite players. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and members of Robinson’s family led a press conference in Vero Beach today to announce the change. “Major League Baseball is the ideal leader for Dodgertown’s next chapter. (They) understand the historical significance of this unique place,” O’Malley said. The shift also ties into the league’s ongoing commemoration this year of Robinson’s 100th birthday (Eric Fisher, THE DAILY).
RISE & SHINE: Budweiser last week debuted an ad honoring Robinson, titled "Impact," and ADWEEK's Erik Oster notes the brand is "quickly building on its first ad with the comparatively minimalist 'Rise.'” Set to the song “Rise Up” by Andra Day, the ad "documents the process of a man stitching together a Jackie Robinson commemorative baseball before concluding with footage of Robinson in action and the message, 'This one’s for you, Jackie.'” The spots will run through Jackie Robinson Day on April 15 (ADWEEK.com, 4/2).
