 On opening day 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. He played his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers. As he left for Ebbets Field that April 15th, he joked with his wife, Rachel, who would be in the stands, just in case you have trouble picking me out, I'll be wearing number 42. Fifty years later, on April 15th, 1997, baseball retired number 42. And a few years later, initiated Jackie Robinson Day.