CHICAGO — Count Jackie Robinson's widow in the Jackie Robinson West team fan club.
Rachel Robinson, 92, who was married to the late baseball pioneer for 27 years, recently penned a letter to one of the Chicago-based Little League team's players, Pierce Jones.
The letter, which appeared in the New York Daily News, was written on the stationary of the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
Wrote Rachel Robinson:
Dear Pierce,
I have been following your tremendous march to the Little League World Series and am so proud of you and the entire Jackie Robinson West team. To have an African-American squad from Chicago, the first from the city to qualify for the Series since 1983, succeed and inspire other young men and women is so meaningful.
Thank you for upholding the legacy of my husband Jack, your namesake, through your hard work, dedication and excellent teamwork.
I congratulate you for winning the Great Lakes Championship and your first game in the Series. Please know that as you continue to play for the title, you give so many of us hope and inspiration.
Good luck with your upcoming games!
My very best wishes,
Rachel Robinson
During the broadcast, the announcers said she sent a letter to each of the Jackie Robinson West players.
Rachel Robinson, who lives in Connecticut, was a nurse. After her husband's death, she served as an assistant professor of nursing at Yale School of Nursing.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation develops leadership skills among young minorities and provides college scholarships.
Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947, joining the Brooklyn Dodgers. His number 42 has been retired on every team in baseball in recognition of his hardships and success.
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