Baseball fans will surely know that the #42 was worn by Jackie Robinson, the first Black player to break the color barrier and integrate Major League Baseball in 1947 into what became known as “America’s Pastime.” Not everyone will know that Jackie’s number was forever retired throughout the Majors in 1997 to honor his legacy.
A wonderful mural depicting Robinson in action rounding first base is about 100 feet north of our B-W neighborhood, on the corner of NE 42nd Street and Sumner. The mural is the work of artist John Vance who was tasked with creating an image that would help promote Our 42nd Avenue, an economic development organization that fosters the business community along NE 42nd Avenue.
John, aka ‘johnnyterrific,’ is a fascinating man who creates art as his calling. When I met with him at the mural, I found him to be engaging, energetic, creative beyond measure, and extraordinarily community focused. His mural is also the cover art for Our42nd’s website: 42ave.org.
A quotation by Jackie Robinson is inscribed on the mural: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
There is no question that Robinson had an outsized impact on combating segregation and racism in the United States. Every year since 2004, MLB has celebrated Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, the date in 1947 that Robinson played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. During games played on that day, every player in MLB and all on-field personnel wear his number 42.
If you have an opportunity, walk north and have a look at the mural — and while you’re at it, support those businesses that add vibrancy to our community. You’ll be helping Our42nd Avenue achieve its mission of connecting people with place through employment and business development.
Batter up!
Alameda resident Michael Wright is a rewired (not a typo) sports agent who moved to PDX with his wife Sally in 2009 from New York City. Writing, cycling, and sports of all types are no longer side hustles, but full-time pursuits.