Josh Donaldson has apologized to Jackie Robinson's wife and family for using the barrier-breaking Hall of Famer's name in reference to Tim Anderson last week, saying Robinson "was a true American hero" and that he holds his name "in the highest regard."
Donaldson issued his apology as part of a statement to MLB.com on Thursday, three days after the New York Yankees third baseman was suspended one game by Major League Baseball for his "inappropriate comments" to Anderson the previous weekend.
Donaldson acknowledged to calling Anderson "Jackie" -- a reference to Robinson, who broke MLB's color barrier in 1947 -- in the first inning during Saturday's game between the Yankees and Chicago White Sox.