Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach Proposed as National Commemorative Site

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A bill introduced Monday would designate Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach as a National Commemorative Site.

U.S. Congressmen Mike Waltz and Darren Soto introduced the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Commemorative Site Act to “honor the location where Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and played his first professional game,” a release said.

“Under this legislation, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark and home (of) the Daytona Tortugas, would be designated as a National Commemorative Site and direct the Secretary of Interior to conduct a feasibility study to give the site the designation of National Historic Landmark,” the release said.

During spring training of 1946, several southern cities, including DeLand and Sanford, wouldn’t allow Robinson to play. The Dodgers’ general manager, Branch Rickey, had to find a city for the Montreal Royals minor league team that would accept Robinson.

“He thought first of Daytona Beach because he had heard of Mary McLeod-Bethune and her influence in moderating race relations,” local historian Leonard Lempel said.

Lempel said the Daytona Beach City Commission chose to ignore the segregation laws and give him a chance.

“Jackie Robinson changed the course of history forever on March 17, 1946, in Daytona Beach when he set foot in the then-named Daytona City Island Ballpark,” Waltz said in a statement. “Since that day, Daytona Beach’s ballpark has been a historic landmark and reminder of Jackie Robinson, the Civil Rights Movement, and the integration of modern professional baseball. We must preserve and honor Jackie Robinson’s legacy and the impact he had in Daytona Beach and across America.

“It’s a vital step towards preserving his historic contributions,” Soto said in a statement. “Jackie Robinson’s legacy is a beacon of courage, resilience, and equality. His groundbreaking journey through adversity not only transformed the game of baseball but ignited a movement for social change that continues to inspire generations worldwide.”

Greg Rosenbaum, chairman of Minor League Baseball’s Government Relations Committee, said in part in a statement, “Jackie Robinson’s journey in professional baseball, where he became an American icon, started in Daytona in the ballpark which now bears his name, and it is appropriate that this location be recognized in this manner.”

Bob Fregolle, co-owner and operating partner of the Daytona Tortugas, said the team is “honored to be entrusted with further stewarding the legacy of Jackie Robinson in Daytona Beach.”

“This designation is greatly appreciated by the community here and will only strengthen his legacy for generations to come,” he said in a release.

According to the release, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio will introduce companion legislation in the Senate.

Most recently, $30 million was announced in renovations of the historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

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