Jackie Robinson Day 2018: How Sports World Is Honoring MLB Icon

On Sunday, Major League Baseball will celebrate the 71st anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day, which marks the day Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947.

MLB has honored Robinson on April 15 since 2004, and it has been customary since 2009 for every person in uniform to wear Robinson's No. 42 on the field.

That will once again be the case Sunday as MLB reflects on Robinson's debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers to become the first African American player in league history.

In addition to donning No. 42, each player will also wear hats with a special patch honoring Robinson, as seen in this tweet courtesy of New Era Cap:

The Colorado Rockies offered a look at other commemorative gear:

According to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez, proceeds from the sale of Jackie Robinson Day apparel will be donated to the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which provides financial assistance to college students.

Former players Ryan Dempster, Preston Wilson, Dan Plesac, Al Leiter and Mike Lowell discussed what Robinson did for the game:

Former NFL head coach Tony Dungy also gave his thoughts and credited Robinson with helping in racial equality progress across the United States:

Among the biggest highlights will be the annual involvement of Robinson's family.

Per Tim Healey of Newsday, Robinson's widow, Rachel, and his children, Sharon and David, will make an appearance at Citi Field for Sunday's game between the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers.

Robinson spent his 10-year MLB career playing in New York for the then-Brooklyn Dodgers, and he remains a revered figure in the city.

No. 42 is the only number that is retired across MLB, and Jackie Robinson Day is the one day of the year where fans will see it in remembrance of one of the sport's greatest trailblazers.