FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2016
Historic Dodgertown and United Way of Indian River County Announce
3rd Annual Jackie Robinson Celebration Game
VERO BEACH, FL –Historic Dodgertown and United Way of Indian River County have announced the Third Annual Jackie
Robinson Celebration Game will take place on Friday, April 15, 2016. The Florida State League’s Brevard County
Manatees will host the St. Lucie Mets at Holman Stadium at the event co-sponsored by Massey Romans Wealth
Management Team of Raymond James and Route 60 Hyundai.
“Historic Dodgertown is thrilled to once again partner with the United Way of Indian River County in hosting the Jackie
Robinson Celebration Game,” commented Brady Ballard, Vice President, Historic Dodgertown. “We also want to
recognize the efforts of the Mets and Manatees organizations, their Major League affiliates, the Florida State League
office and Minor League Baseball in supporting this event that has truly become a great event for the Indian River
County community.”
April 15 will mark the 69th anniversary of Jackie Robinson making his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers
and will be recognized nationally throughout professional baseball. Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 to become
the first African-American to play Major League Baseball. The following spring in 1948, Dodgertown became the first
and only integrated spring training site in the south.
“Anytime we get the opportunity to celebrate the life, accomplishments and legacy of Jackie Robinson, it is an
opportunity to perpetuate his courage, vision and commitment,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat
O’Conner. “Baseball is the great game it is today, in large part, because of the career of Jackie Robinson. Minor League
Baseball is proud to be a part of this annual celebration in Vero Beach as we play a game at Historic Dodgertown to
honor him.”
Advance tickets purchased Monday, March 28 through Wednesday, April 13, will sell for $6 each at all Seacoast and
Marine Banks in Indian River, St. Lucie, and Brevard Counties, as well as at the United Way Center in Vero Beach and at
Historic Dodgertown - WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Thursday, April 14, and Friday, April 15, tickets will sell at two locations, only, United Way Center and Historic
Dodgertown, and ticket price is $8. Net ticket proceeds will benefit community service programs through the United
Way of Indian River County. Check www.unitedwayirc.org/jackierobinson for more details.
"The Manatees franchise is proud to continue its partnership with Historic Dodgertown and the St. Lucie Mets in
celebration of Jackie Robinson and his impact on America's pastime,” said Kyle Smith, General Manager of the Brevard
County Manatees.
“United Way is grateful to participate in the Jackie Robinson Celebration Game,” United Way CEO Michael Kint
explained. “This has become a phenomenal community-wide event that’s family friendly, affordable, and lots of fun.
Proceeds from ticket sales will help us do our job providing people with access to a good education, financial stability
and quality health care.”
The first Jackie Robinson Celebration game in 2014 saw the Manatees defeat the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 7-1 in front of
over 4,000 fans. Last year, the crowd grew to 6,000 as the Mets defeated the Manatees, 9-3.
“The St. Lucie Mets are once again honored to play in the Jackie Robinson Celebration Game. Last year was a
tremendous experience for our players, coaches, staff and fans. To be involved in a game at a historic venue like
Holman Stadium and play in front of almost 6,000 fans was a highlight for our entire organization. We look forward to
sharing this unique experience with a new group of Mets players in 2016," commented Traer Van Allen, General
Manager, St. Lucie Mets.
About: United Way does the critical but largely invisible work required to reach community goals — it takes an entire
community to make a difference. For more information about United Way or to give online, visit our website at
UnitedWayIRC.org. United Way of Indian River County invites people to get involved by helping others. Go to
www.VolunteerIndianRiverCounty.org to learn about local opportunities for service.
About Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, Florida
“A Florida Heritage Landmark”
World-famous Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, Florida is a multi-sport, 80-acre complex on Florida’s Treasure Coast managed by former Dodger
owner Peter O’Malley in a partnership since 2012. O’Malley, whose family developed and expanded the site formerly known as “Dodgertown” for
nearly 50 years, partnered with his sister Terry O’Malley Seidler and former Dodger star pitchers Chan Ho Park and Hideo Nomo.
On November 10, 2014, Historic Dodgertown was named a Florida Heritage Landmark for its unique historic significance extending beyond
baseball, as the first completely integrated Spring Training site in the South. The “Baseball and Dodgertown” historical marker is located at the
entrance to the conference center.
The home of Dodger Spring Trainings from 1948-2008, it was the starting place for six World Championships and 14 N.L. Pennant-winning teams.
Numerous Baseball Hall of Fame players trained on these hallowed grounds, as well as 20 visits from professional teams in Asia.
The all-inclusive facility, owned by Indian River County, gives teams of all ages the unique opportunity to train, play, dine and stay together in onsite villas. Participants utilize one of 10 ½ playing fields (seven are Musco-lighted for night games), including a new cloverleaf of youth
baseball/softball fields with concessions area and new multi-purpose field (110 by 130 yards) for football, soccer and lacrosse.
Other amenities include clubhouses, two full-sized weight rooms, dining room, Stadium Club lounge and a competition-size swimming pool. The
home of 6,500-seat Holman Stadium, Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, Florida provides an all-encompassing experience for
guests and is the ideal setting to build a championship team. It’s the perfect location for tournaments, camps, schools, business conferences and
seminars.
Continuing its tradition since 1983, the Los Angeles Dodgers Adult Baseball Camp returned to Historic Dodgertown in November, 2014. Visit
historicdodgertown.com for more information.
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Contacts: Megan Gandy, Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, Florida, (772) 257-8542