This Saturday marks the 70th anniversary of Jackie Robinson integrating professional baseball. The Redbirds will celebrate not only Robinson that night, but The Memphis 13 as well. The Memphis 13 are a group of schoolchildren who integrated Memphis public schools in 1961. There will be a forum at 4 PM, open to all ticketholders of that night’s game (although registration for the forum is requested). All the Redbirds will be wearing number 42 for Saturday’s game in memory of Jackie Robinson, with the jerseys being auctioned after the game to benefit the Redbirds Community Fund and the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
It’s the season opener! The Memphis Redbirds take the field against Colorado Springs tonight at 7:05. First 5000 fans get a free magnet schedule, and it’s dollar King Cotton hot dog night.
Save the date: Crop Hop 5K is coming Friday, June 16. This is a 5K race benefiting the Memphis Farmers Market. It’s $25 to register as a runner, getting you a race T-shirt and admission to their excellent after-party under the pavilion. Not a runner? No problem. They always have a “skip the race and just party” ticket too.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is cracking down on distracted driving. Good! I’ve seen way too many people on Memphis highways texting while they drive recently.
Well, this is pretty cool… if you attend an Atlanta Braves home game this year, you can order a beer aged on baseball bats.
Got several more news items that I don’t have time to blog right now. Check back this afternoon for more.