MLB superstars pay tribute to No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 15: The jersey of Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins is seen as he takes an at bat against the Toronto Blue Jays during the game on April 15, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.

Hannah Foslien / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Major League Baseball did not let the shutdown stop it from recognizing the sport's greatest pioneer on Jackie Robinson Day.

Here is what some of baseball's biggest stars, both past and current, had to say about Robinson, who broke the game's color barrier during his Hall of Fame career.

Aaron Judge, Yankees

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Even though we are celebrating differently this year, today we all wear 42! Thank you Jackie for impacting so many lives and for paving the way for future generations.

A post shared by Aaron Judge (@thejudge44) on Apr 15, 2020 at 11:25am PDT

David Ortiz

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Even during these tough times we cannot forget to honor the man who made my career possible. Happy Jackie Robinson Day...forever grateful for what you did for us all #42

A post shared by David Ortiz (@davidortiz) on Apr 15, 2020 at 8:12am PDT

Mookie Betts, Dodgers

He showed us what the world could become. #42 pic.twitter.com/i9Bs27Ael0
— Mookie Betts (@mookiebetts) April 15, 2020

CC Sabathia

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April 15, 1947 until forever. His LEGACY is breaking the color barrier for every African American player to be in the big leagues, without him we wouldn’t be here! Today, we celebrate an icon on and off the field. #Jackie42 #JackieRobinsonDay

A post shared by CC Sabathia (@cc_sabathia) on Apr 15, 2020 at 7:39am PDT

Marcus Stroman, Mets

Beyond thankful and grateful for the legendary life of this man. Your trailblazing efforts paved the way for African Americans to play the sport I love. THANK YOU 42! pic.twitter.com/QpzkrXGjLN
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 15, 2020

David Price, Dodgers

Happy Jackie Robinson day! Eternally grateful for Mr. Robinson! I have been looking forward to this day since being traded to LA. Can’t wait to get back to doing what we love! In the meantime let’s just stay home and stay safe.
— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) April 15, 2020

Curtis Granderson

This Jackie Robinson Day, in honor of #42, I'm donating 42,000 meals to our Grand Kids COVID-19 food bank partners.
— Curtis Granderson (@cgrand3) April 15, 2020

Kenley Jansen, Dodgers

Even if there is no baseball today, we celebrate this day and we say - thank you, Jackie. 🙏🏽 #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/vq0cDrlWZ1
— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) April 15, 2020

Andrew McCutchen, Phillies

Though we don’t get to all wear 42 today on the field, we still get to celebrate his legacy. Thank you Jackie for paving the way. #42Forever #Jackie42 @mlb @JRFoundation @Phillies pic.twitter.com/tO8Tie9ATC
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) April 15, 2020

Felix Hernandez, Braves

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Thank you Jackie, you paved the road for so many players and changed the way we treat and respect each other 🙏🏼 • • • • • #jackierobinson #jackierobinsonday #mlb #baseball #baseballhistory #today #history #americanhistory #lasmayores #baseballplayer #baseballplayers

A post shared by Felix Hernandez (@therealkingfelix34) on Apr 15, 2020 at 6:28am PDT

Chris Archer, Pirates

Dear @MLB,
If/when the season starts back can we have a day where we all wear number 42? It’s my fav alternate jersey of the year. Pretty please 🍒 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Chris Archer (@ChrisArcher22) April 15, 2020

Barry Bonds

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Thank You #JackieRobinson for breaking down barriers for athletes like me #jackierobinsonday

A post shared by Barry L Bonds (@blbonds25) on Apr 15, 2020 at 1:22pm PDT

Ken Griffey Jr.

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Happy Jackie Robinson Day. “Thank you Jackie” #JackieRobinson #HappyJackieRobinsonDay #mlb #BrooklynDodgers #boysofsummer #BaseballHOF #Baseballroyality

A post shared by Ken Griffey Jr (@therealkengriffeyjr) on Apr 15, 2020 at 10:19am PDT

Richie Martin, Orioles

“He’s opened the doors for everyone to be able to play.”

What 4️⃣2️⃣ means to @richiemartinjr, whose grandfather played with Jackie in the Negro Leagues. Check back at 1pm as Richie reads a children’s book about Jackie’s legacy. #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/ik7kRqxuh1
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) April 15, 2020