Honoring Jackie Robinson extends into orbit this year

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jackie Robinson Day has been celebrated even in space this year.

While Rachel Robinson, the player’s widow, and Commissioner Rob Manfred were set to honor Robinson in a ceremony at Dodger Stadium in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s annual Civil Rights Game, astronaut Terry Virts wore a Dodgers jersey with Robinson’s No. 42 along with a Brooklyn cap at the International Space Station orbiting the Earth.

Wednesday marked the 68th anniversary of Robinson breaking the major league color barrier.

Virts says in a video posted on MLB.com that “I can remember reading a book about Jackie when I was in the first grade. Even at that young age, I was really impressed with what he did beyond baseball.”