On Monday, April 15th, as part of the league-wide observance of Jackie Robinson Day, the Arizona Diamondbacks have an array of activities planned for their series opener against the Chicago Cubs.
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Prior to the game, the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Choir, based in Phoenix, will perform both the National Anthem and the Black National Anthem.
Valley native Raven Gibson will have the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Gibson is the founder of Legendary Rootz, a Phoenix-based business specializing in statement-driven apparel, which she started while attending Arizona State University.
During the game, Arizona will recognize the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year and the East Valley United Black Firefighters, a group dedicated to community development in African-American communities.
Fans can join the celebration by purchasing a special event ticket package, which includes a limited-edition hat featuring Jackie Robinson’s iconic number “42.”
Tickets are available at dbacks.com/jackierobinson.
The first pitch for the Diamondbacks’ matchup against the Cubs on Jackie Robinson Day is scheduled for 6:40 PM.
More Than a Game: Alek Thomas Champions the Next Generation
Leading up to Jackie Robinson Day, Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas embodied the spirit of community by participating as a celebrity coach in the team’s “Superstar Baseball Camp”. This free event, co-hosted by Super Star Car Wash, provided an opportunity for over 100 youngsters from the “Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church” and “Boys & Girls Club of the Valley” to learn baseball fundamentals at Chase Field.
(Photo by Anna Carrington/Arizona Diamondbacks)
(Photo by Anna Carrington/Arizona Diamondbacks)
Each participant received several gifts, including four tickets to a D-backs home game, a signed poster, and a D-backs t-shirt featuring the number 42 on the front and Alek Thomas’ number 5 on the back.
(Photo by Anna Carrington/Arizona Diamondbacks)
“It’s really just about having fun,” Alek Thomas emphasized, reflecting on the camp’s core message. “But if they want to take it seriously, they gotta put 100% effort in it.”
(Photo by Anna Carrington/Arizona Diamondbacks)
Beyond the technical skills, Thomas aims to inspire these young players. “Being Black and Hispanic, as well,” he shared, “helping out the kids and telling them my story… it’s pretty cool to be a part of growing up around the majors.”
#Diamondbacks' Alek Thomas reflects on the significance of participating in camps aimed towards inspiring the next generation:
"Helping out the kids and telling them my story… it's pretty cool to be a part of growing up around the majors." pic.twitter.com/ZekLV0K1zN
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) April 14, 2024
Thomas cherishes the connections he builds through these camps. “Seeing some of the kids I’ve seen before, having a relationship with them now, seeing them out at batting practice… that’s really special,” he said.
#Diamondbacks’ Alek Thomas discusses his favorite part about participating in events such as the Super Star Car Wash Camp:
“Seeing some of the kids I’ve seen before, having a relationship with them now, seeing them out at batting practice… that’s really special” pic.twitter.com/yBILBueReX
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) April 14, 2024
