The California Assembly Monday passed a resolution to name a portion of the 210 Freeway in Pasadena after Jackie Robinson, a Brooklyn Dodgers hall of famer who broke the baseball color barrier.
“Jackie Robinson is not only an inspiring figure to us for his accomplishments in athletics, but also as a civil-rights-era trailblazer who advocated for social change,” said Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) in a news release.
“His contributions to baseball and society have made an everlasting impression on our nation.”
Gatto coauthored the bill with Assemblyman Chris Holden (D-Pasadena).
The stretch, along the 210 between the 2 Freeway and Orange Grove Boulevard, would be named “Jackie Robinson Memorial Highway” if the measure is also passed by the California State Senate.
Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
He played basketball, football, baseball and track at John Muir High School in Pasadena and Pasadena City College, according to the news release.
His number, 42, was retired by every team in Major League Baseball.
“It’s only fitting to honor Jackie Robinson by naming this stretch of highway near the home he grew up and lived in,” Gatto said. “The sacrifices and differences he made will always be remembered.”
The resolution will head to the senate.
