How Cubs Heyward plans to keep spreading Robinson's legacy
Since they didn't play Thursday, the Cubs celebrated Jackie Robinson Day on Friday, with every player wearing No. 42.
Before the game, Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward talked about how Robinson's legacy and goodwill is still being spread. Heyward is part of The Players Alliance, which recently announced that more than 100 players would donate a game's salary to help improve opportunities in baseball to kids in impoverished neighborhoods.
"It's amazing that he was able to make the sacrifices he did, continue his character, continue his love for the game and not put himself above that," Heyward said. "People he didn't know he was going to effect and how he was going to effect them.
"He didn't know the extent, didn't know there would be a Players Alliance here today, unified and trying to rally troops behind good messages and positivity in our communities. I think it's super special the things that he did over his time are still here today without him even knowing that it was going to look like this."
Last year's donations went toward the community bus tour that Heyward helped lead last winter.
"I think it was huge to be able to show up and physically interact with people," he said. "I know it was difficult as far as seeing people's faces, because we had to wear masks. Once we were able to connect and reconnect in those communities, it was a beautiful turnout in Chicago, a beautiful turnout in New York and all these cities we were able to make it to. I think that's a new powerful influence we want to continue."