Waltz, Soto, and Rubio Introduce the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Commemorative Site Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Congressmen Mike Waltz (FL-06) and Darren Soto (FL-09) launched the bipartisan, bicameral Jackie Robinson Ballpark Commemorative Web site Act to honor the placement the place Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier and performed his first skilled sport. Below this laws, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark and residential the Daytona Tortugas, could be designated as a Nationwide Commemorative Web site and direct the Secretary of Inside to conduct a feasibility research to provide the location the designation of Nationwide Historic Landmark.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (FL-R) will introduce companion laws within the Senate. The invoice is co-sponsored by all the Florida Home delegation and has the assist from each Main and Minor League Baseball.

“Jackie Robinson modified the course of historical past eternally on March 17, 1946 in Daytona Seashore when he set foot within the then-named Daytona Metropolis Island Ballpark,” mentioned Waltz. “Since that day, Daytona Seashore’s ballpark has been a historic landmark and reminder of Jackie Robinson, the Civil Rights Motion, and the combination of recent skilled baseball. We should protect and honor Jackie Robinson’s legacy and the influence he had in Daytona Seashore and throughout America. That’s the reason I’m proud to introduce this invoice in Congress on Jackie Robinson Day with fellow Floridian Senator Rubio to guard and commemorate the Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Seashore so it might dwell on for generations to return.”

“I’m thrilled to introduce this invoice, honoring Jackie Robinson’s legacy by designating the Daytona Seashore ballpark as a Nationwide Commemorative Web site. It is a very important step in the direction of preserving his historic contributions,” mentioned Soto. “Jackie Robinson’s legacy is a beacon of braveness, resilience, and equality. His groundbreaking journey by way of adversity not solely remodeled the sport of baseball however ignited a motion for social change that continues to encourage generations worldwide.”

“Jackie Robinson wasn’t only a phenomenal baseball participant; he was a trailblazer who broke limitations each on and off the sphere,” mentioned Senator Rubio. “In 1946, he performed on the Daytona Metropolis Island Ballpark, the place his braveness remodeled not solely the game, but additionally our nation. I’m introducing the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Commemorative Web site Act to honor and shield the location the place Jackie performed his first sport and to remind us of the energy and influence one particular person can have on the world.”

“Main League Baseball applauds the bipartisan laws to designate Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona as a Nationwide Commemorative Web site,” mentioned April Brown, Senior Vice President of Social Duty, Main League Baseball. “Jackie’s transcendent legacy as a Corridor of Fame participant, activist and civil rights pioneer stays an inspiration to communities throughout our Nation.  We’re proud to affix Rachel and the Robinson household in supporting efforts to rejoice these necessary landmarks linked to Jackie’s history-making journey.”

“Jackie Robinson’s journey in skilled baseball, the place he grew to become an American icon, began in Daytona within the ballpark which now bears his title, and it’s acceptable that this location be acknowledged on this method,” mentioned Greg Rosenbaum, Chairman of Minor League Baseball’s Authorities Relations Committee. “Minor League Baseball is proud to have one among our most historic ballparks designated as a Nationwide Commemorative Web site, and we admire the bipartisan assist that made this piece of laws potential.” 

“We’re extraordinarily honored to be entrusted with additional stewarding the legacy of Jackie Robinson in Daytona Seashore,” mentioned Bob Fregolle, Co-owner & Working Associate of the Daytona Tortugas. “This designation is drastically appreciated by the group right here and can solely strengthen his legacy for generations to return.”