Jackie Robinson Ballpark’s historic status could gain new recognition

Legislation has been filed in the U.S. Congress to designate Jackie Robinson Ballpark as a national commemorative site and to put it on the path toward placement on the National Historic Landmark list. Rep. Michael Waltz filed the measure in the House and Sen. Marco Rubio filed the Senate version in April.

The ballpark already is on the National Registry of Historic Places, put there in 1998 because of its place in baseball history.

Formerly City Island Ballpark, the ballpark was renamed for Jackie Robinson in 1990 in recognition of the historic game on March 17, 1946, when Jackie Robinson, playing for the Montreal Royals, then the New York Dodgers’ top-level minor league team, shattered the game’s color barrier here by playing in an integrated exhibition match. A game that was played in Daytona Beach after other racially segregated cities refused to allow an integrated match.

The playing field was first laid out in June 1914 and minor league play began in 1920, making it the oldest active ballpark in the minor leagues.

 Do you have a vintage photo to share?

If you have photos showing the landmarks, people and events from Volusia and Flagler counties’ rich past, don’t leave them hidden away in boxes and albums, send a scan to The News-Journal for possible display on a future history photo page. Email the scan or inquiry to Mark Lane at mlanewrites@gmail.com.