When MLB paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman's portrayal of Jackie Robinson in '42'

Although Jackie Robinson didn't play in the MLB for very long, he had a significant influence on the sport.

Robinson was so well-known that the late Chadwick Boseman shared Robinson's journey with the entire globe in the twenty-first century. Notably, in the movie "42" from 2013, Boseman played the iconic Jackie Robinson.

Boseman died in 2020. MLB paid tribute to him for his portrayal of Robinson in "42" and celebrated Boseman's timeless performance.

"We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in “42” will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come." - MLB

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball

Robinson passed away in 1972. But even after all these years, his tale is still important. Robinson broke baseball's color barrier while playing first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers (now known as the Los Angeles Dodgers). After portraying Robinson in "42," Boseman said that Robinson had inspired him.

"Been 75 years since Jackie Robinson changed the world" - Jomboy Media

Robinson found it challenging to compete in the major leagues. When the Dodgers players found out that Robinson would be playing with them, they complained about him in a petition. But kudos to the Dodgers' manager, who supported Robinson and ensured he participated in the MLB.

NBA All-Star Game 2018

Even Chadwick Boseman couldn't have predicted the amount of influence Jackie Robinson had on baseball when he decided to play Robinson. But after learning more about the legendary MLB player, the late actor was in awe of him.

While talking to MLB, Boseman said:

“I’m responsible for being the face of Jack and portraying all of the characteristics, qualities, and principles that the man lived under to be able to walk in somebody else’s shoes. It teaches you something… So, I definitely want to take those lessons from Jackie Robinson with me into the rest of my life.”

"Definitely want to take those lessons from Jackie Robinson with me into the rest of my life.” The late Chadwick Boseman talked with us about how Jackie inspired him in 2013. #Jackie42" - MLB Network

After losing his fight with cancer, Chadwick Boseman died in 2020. The moniker "42" itself refers to Robinson's famous number.