When the Braves were awarded the civil rights game

Jackie Robinson day was celebrated in every major league park, which was scheduled to host a game Friday night. Every Major League player, coach, manager and referee wearing No. 42 to honor Robinson, who wore this number while playing for the Dodgers from 1947-56.

Braves right fielder Jason Heyward planned to wear black and royal blue peaks adorned with the No. 42 for game Friday night against the Mets.

"I think the respect it deserves Jackie is finally coming due," said Aaron. "When you see all the numbers worn and is coming from the Office of the Commissioner, I believe that things are starting to be recognized."

Jimmie Lee Solomon, executive vice President of Major League Baseball baseball development, was also present at Turner Field to celebrate the anniversary of the debut 64 historical Robinson.

When the Braves were awarded the civil rights game for this year and 2012, Solomon excitedly talked about the opportunity to stage the event in the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders.

"Jackie Robinson is one of the reasons that we also have a game of civil rights," said Solomon. "A lot of people don't recognize the fact that when Jackie integrated baseball was the great experiment. Our entire society had the opportunity to see. It was the first Brown vs. education. It was the first integrated forces. It was before Rosa Parks refused to go to the back of the bus. It was the first that a lot more focused on civil rights actions took place, even Dr. King.

"[Robinson] gave us the opportunity to stand side-by-side and dream together. More importantly than that, the legacy that he left allowed us to believe that our children could play together, learn from each other and live together in the future. "

Growing up, Martin Luther King III remembers seeing pictures of her father with Robinson. "I knew did work together from time to time, and I guess they had discussions on things he himself, Jackie Robinson, had to go through," King said. "Opened a door to a huge number of people in the National League".

The King was scheduled to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Braves and Mets opened a three-game series Friday night. Rain delayed the start of the game.