HOUSTON -- Count A's shortstop Marcus Semien among those who consider wearing No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day "a real blessing."
"I wish they'd even do it in the Minor Leagues," said Semien. "It's a very special day. He opened a lot of doors for a lot of people, not only African-American players but players from all over, to come in this league and show their talent, and I'm very grateful for that."
Robinson debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, breaking baseball's color barrier as the first African-American to play in the Major Leagues.