For seniors, applications for scholarships have either already passed or or are quickly approaching, one of them being the Jackie Robinson Foundation (Feb. 1 deadline), which seeks out minority students in need of financial aid and guidance through the process of higher education. 

Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball (MLB) breaking the league’s color barrier. Redhawks baseball coach Scott McGarrh, claims Robinson is an idol to not only him, but many others.

“To me, Jackie Robinson represents what is great about the game of baseball and sports,” McGarrh said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or the color of your skin, if you want to play bad enough, you can play. Mr. Robinson was ambitious, determined and fearless to break the color barrier. I can’t even imagine how difficult that would have been.”

McGarrh also believes the world might be a better place if people heed to Robinson’s beliefs and fight for his views.

“The influence he had on American even though he went through his fair share of trials and tribulations was huge,” McGarrh said. “I admire Jackie for having the courage and heart to fight for what he believed in. I feel if more people would do what Jackie did, this world might be a little better place.”

Robinson played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and every year on April 15, MLB has Jackie Robinson Day where all baseball players wear his number 42, the only one retired by every team, meaning that no player can ever again wear 42 in MLB.