COLUMBIA, S.C. — Segra Park has three new numbers in its outfield.
The Columbia Fireflies have retired the numbers of Jackie Robinson, Frank Robinson, and Camden native Larry Doby.
In 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball and his #42 is retired by every major league team.
Three months after Robinson's debut with the Dodgers, Camden native Larry Doby became the first African-American to play in the American League.
Frank Robinson played 20 seasons in the majors and became the first African-American manager in major league baseball history in 1975.
John Katz, President and CEO of the Columbia Fireflies, says honoring these three athletes was very important to him and his team.
"We thought it was important to formally recognize these three individuals," Katz says. "We wanted to make sure that their honor is continued at Segra Park, this is a remainder for everyone in this community that they were trail- blazers who led the way."
The team will continue to honor these three and other African-American players next season.