The Integration of Baseball Commemorative Coin Act was announced on Capitol Hill by Sen. Tim Scott, Rep. Roger Williams, and Rep. Cedric Richmond, along with Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson. The coin, which will be released in 2022, will feature Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby, who broke the color barrier in baseball in 1947.
Commemorative Coin to Honor Pioneers of Baseball Integration
Washington, D.C. - In a poignant recognition of the profound impact of baseball integration, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation to mint commemorative coins honoring the groundbreaking achievements of Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby. The Integration of Baseball Commemorative Coin Act, sponsored by Representatives Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Roger Williams (R-TX), and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), aims to immortalize the legacy of these trailblazing athletes and their pivotal role in dismantling racial barriers.
The announcement of the bill was made on Capitol Hill, where the sponsors were joined by Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, an avid coin collector and ardent admirer of Robinson and Doby. "I learned so much from these men about the unwavering determination and resilience required to excel at the highest level while navigating the adversity they faced," Dawson said.
The integration of baseball in 1947 shattered long-held prejudices and marked a watershed moment in the civil rights movement. Robinson, who broke the color line in the National League, and Doby, who followed suit in the American League, endured immense hostility and discrimination but remained steadfast in their pursuit of equality.
Senator Scott emphasized the profound significance of Robinson and Doby's contributions. "Without their courage and sacrifice, individuals like myself and Representative Richmond would not be here today," he stated. "We owe our presence on this stage to the shoulders of these giants who confronted unimaginable challenges and paved the way for future generations."
The commemorative coins, which will be available in $5, $1, and 50-cent denominations, will be released in 2022, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of baseball integration. The design of the coins remains undisclosed, but Roll Call has reported that they will feature the shape of a baseball diamond.
The lawmakers expressed their unwavering support for the bill and its potential to inspire future generations. Representative Richmond, who played baseball at Morehouse College, shared his admiration for Dawson, highlighting his exceptional talent and the impact of the legends being honored. "I'm standing next to Andre Dawson," he exclaimed, "and I now understand why I never made it to the big leagues."
The Integration of Baseball Commemorative Coin Act is a testament to the unwavering legacy of Robinson and Doby and their enduring impact on American society. By immortalizing their achievements on a commemorative coin, the lawmakers aim to ensure that their stories continue to be told and that their contributions to the fight for equality are never forgotten.
