Every year on or around April 15, Major League Baseball celebrates Jackie Robinson Day to commemorate the day Jackie played his first MLB game. Something that is often forgotten in the narrative is the league that fostered African-American talent before they were allowed to play in the majors. Today, MLB will turn the spotlight on the Negro Leagues by commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Negro National League.
This is more than just a one-off thing. Originally festivities were going to take place inside ballparks throughout the season, and the Negro Leagues Centennial was going to be recognized on June 27.