The Major League Baseball All-Star Game returns to Dodger Stadium today for the first time in over 40 years, welcoming the Hollywood All-Stars to some on-field action. But it was Oscar winner Denzel Washington who was honored to open the Fox broadcast as a special tribute to Dodgers legend Jackie Robinson.
WASHINGTON – After the national anthem, Ben Platt, who wore an “Election” pin amid reproductive rights concerns, walked up to home plate shortly after 5 p.m. wearing a Dodgers jersey with Robinson’s iconic number 42 on the back.
“Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, 1947,” Washington said opening his brief remarks, recalling the date Robinson broke the color barriers and became the first black player to dress in modern MLB’s modern era, when he started at the Dodgers’ first point guard. . (then in Brooklyn) on April 15, 1947. “When Jackie Robinson first set foot on the Major League Baseball field, armed with superior talent and an unflappable character, and wearing a Dodgers uniform, he changed the game, baseball and much more. .”
Washington went on to note that Robinson had a “high” presence on the field as he won Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, World Series Champion, and seven-time All-Star. “Off the field, Jackie Robinson challenged us to become better versions of ourselves,” he said. “Business leader, family man, activist, Hall of Famer. He said life is not a spectator sport and he lived by that motto to the fullest. The number 42 created a path that lit the way for people of all walks of life and of all colors and even today… its profound influence is as great today as it was 75 years ago.
Denzel Washington pays tribute to Jackie Robinson. a chill #AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/Tm9BEj1FHJ
– MLB (@MLB) July 20, 2022
In addition to the 75th birthday, today’s game coincides with the 100th birthday of Robinson’s widow Rachel Robinson, who was born on July 19, 1922. This isn’t the first time Washington has appeared at Dodger Stadium to honor Robinson. . He was there earlier this year to celebrate Robinson’s legacy on Jackie Robinson’s official day on April 15th. Washington, a longtime New York Yankees fan, even visited the Dodgers club to shake hands and share words with the team.
During his visit in April, Washington detailed the early days of his youth, falling in love with the game of baseball and idolizing New York players. Although he admitted that he hated the Brooklyn Dodgers over his beloved Yankees, he never lost sight of the impact the players had on not only him but his teammates as well. “I’m here to tell you that you will never see a U-Haul behind a free car. You cannot take it with you. You can leave him here,” said Washington, himself a talented baseball player in his youth who played catcher on his high school team and led the team in home runs. “Not just the money, the memories and the joy you give kids, the love they get when they walk around in their shirts.” … I just pray that you understand the power and authority that you all have, the influence that you all have. Never take your gift for granted. “
Baseball fans didn’t seem to appreciate today’s All-Star Game. On a hot day with temperatures reaching the mid-1980s, Dodger Stadium was packed with fans, mostly rooting for the local professionals, with six Dodgers nominated for a National League All-Star, pitcher Clayton Kershaw taking the mound first.
Source: Hollywood Reporter

Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.