Civil Rights Game
From BR Bullpen
The Civil Rights Game is an annual game between major league teams designed to commemorate baseball's role in promoting the cause of civil rights and to honor personalities who have played a major role in the fight for equality.
The game was first played in 2007 in connection with the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947. The first two games were exhibition games played at the tail end of spring training in Memphis, TN. Subsequent editions have been played in major league cities and have been regular-season games, a result of significant media and popular interest in the annual event, which has grown from a simple game to a series of events around the game.
The teams in the game wear throwback uniforms, either from the Negro Leagues or from years that have played a significant role in history. Various events around the game are planned to underline the theme of civil rights, including baseball handing out Beacon Awards to personalities who have played a key role in the battle for civil rights, inside or outside baseball. The Beacon Awards include a "Beacon of Life" award, honoring a former player, and "Beacon of Change" and "Beacon of Hope" awards honoring other personalities from outside the game.
[edit] Results
| Year | Date | Host City | Stadium | Team | Score | Team | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | March 31 | Memphis, TN | AutoZone Park | St. Louis Cardinals | 5-1 | Cleveland Indians | 12,815 |
| 2008 | March 29 | Memphis, TN | AutoZone Park | New York Mets | 3-2 | Chicago White Sox | 7,717 |
| 2009 | June 20 | Cincinnati, OH | Great American Ball Park | Cincinnati Reds | 8-10 | Chicago White Sox | 42,234 |
| 2010 | May 15 | Cincinnati, OH | Great American Ball Park | Cincinnati Reds | 4-3 | St. Louis Cardinals | 41,326 |
| 2011 | May 15 | Atlanta, GA | Turner Field | Atlanta Braves | 3-2 | Philadelphia Phillies | 42,117 |
