Wearing Robinson's jersey No. 42 as part of the observance was a distinct honor for Blanco and other Giants.
Left-hander Javier Lopez also was stirred by Robinson's deeds. "To do that with style and grace, never reacting to the fans, just focusing on the game, spoke volumes," Lopez said. "Not only to baseball itself, but also society."
Giants manager Bruce Bochy echoed the importance of Robinson's broader impact.
"He played such an important part in the Civil Rights movement," Bochy said.
Blanco noted that the representation of minorities in other professional sports grew after Robinson reached the Major Leagues in 1947.