Happy Birthday & Thank You, Jackie Robinson!

Today along with the rest of the baseball world and Black community, I celebrate the life and legacy of Jackie Roosevelt Robinson. As the ultimate baseball mom, I will tell you my life would not be the same if not for Number 42.

Only missing Black History Month by one day, today a legend was born. Jackie Robinson was born January 31, 1919, and at age 28 he changed history by breaking through color barriers becoming the first Black athlete to play Major League Baseball in the 20th century. He took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and swung the door wide open for little Black boys like my son and other young Black athletes with aspirations of playing Major League Baseball.

As a baseball mom of a player who literally plays year-round, I live, eat and breathe the game.  I never cease to remind my son of the strong shoulders he stands on as a baseball player who aspires to play at the MLB level one day.

If not for the bravery of and passion of Jackie Robinson, my son wouldn't have the opportunities to play the game on the level he does.

Meet my son, KEATON KING:

He's now a 17-year-old Junior who began playing the game 5-years-old. He began as a freshman playing varsity ball at the 6A level for Longview High School. Thanks, Mr. Robinson. He also plays travel ball for Futures Elite, an East Texas team based out of Tyler, Texas. Thank you, Mr. Robinson.

Keaton takes several cuts throughout the week with ex MLB player, Chuck Carr to ensure he's on point on game day. He can walk on any field and inside any facility freely without fear of being heckled or feeling unwanted and play the game.  Thanks, Mr. Robinson. 

Needless to say I've eaten many dinners at the baseball park, yelled several ugly words at refs and have enough baseball shirts to clothe a small country. I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. Thanks again, Mr. Robinson. 

This year he was selected as the Trinity Mother Frances' athlete of the week. Thanks for paving the way, Jackie Robinson. 

He began many years ago as a puggy little boy who just enjoyed the game. He's now a 16-year-old black young man who craves the game. Today we salute and credit the life, legacy and game of Mr. Jackie Robinson for paving the way.

It all began with a dream.