DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – It was a warm Central Florida evening but that didn’t stop the community of Daytona Beach from gathering for a momentous occasion-a celebration of history, baseball, and the enduring legacy of Jackie Robinson.
The city, which played a crucial role in Robinson’s journey in breaking baseball’s color barrier, broke ground on $30 million of renovations to make this a world-class baseball facility, a project that has been years in the making.
As the mayor of Daytona Beach stood before the crowd, his excitement was palpable.
“My heart is filled with joy,” Mayor Derrick Henry shared, reflecting on the long road the community has traveled to bring this vision to life. “This is where Jackie Robinson first played baseball, so we think it appropriate that baseball be played here at the highest level.”
The historical significance of this new facility runs deep. In 1946, while many communities refused to let Jackie Robinson play, Daytona Beach welcomed him with open arms. This decision was not just an act of defiance against the racial norms of the time, but a bold statement of the city’s commitment to equality and progress.
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“It just speaks a lot to Daytona Beach,” the mayor continued. “In 1946, other communities said no to Jackie Robinson, but Daytona Beach said yes. We’ve always prided ourselves on being a bit ahead of other communities as it relates to relationships, racial relationships, equality, and we were then, and we try to do that now.”
As the legacy of Jackie Robinson was honored, the emotions of the night ran high. The mayor quoted Mary McLeod Bethune, saying, “We’re the heirs and custodians of a great legacy.”
This sentiment echoed throughout the evening as the community came together to celebrate the historic park but also what it means for city’s place in history.
Among those in attendance was George Bates, a man whose connection to this history is deeply personal. As a young batboy in 1946, Bates was there when Robinson made his first appearance in Daytona Beach. Decades later, he watched as the city honored that legacy.
“They’re making me feel special,” Bates said, reminiscing about those early days. “I was just lucky that I happened to be here at that time.”
Bates, who is featured in a video preserved in the Baseball Hall of Fame, recalled the excitement of watching the Dodgers play.
“The Dodgers were my team, anyway,” he said with a grin, recalling how he and his brother watched all the home games.
For Daytona Beach, this night was more than just a game-it was a celebration of a legacy that has shaped the community for generations. The new ballpark is not only an investment in sports but a tribute to Jackie Robinson and a reminder of the city’s unique role in his story.
Construction will take part in two phases.
Later this year, work will begin on a player development facility.
Then, phase two will include upgrades to the stadium, including the restrooms and concessions.
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