Tonight, we celebrate #JackieRobinsonDay with Jackie's wife, Rachel Robinson. #ThankYouJackie pic.twitter.com/I8fUSqggcv
Jackie Robinson's presence was especially meaningful as Robinson had called for a black manager in a pregame speech at the 1972 World Series, just nine days before his seath.
"I'm extremely proud and pleased to be here this afternoon, but must admit I am going to be tremendously more pleased and more proud when I look at that third-base coaching line one day and see a black face managing in baseball," Robinson said in the speech, which was played during the ceremony.