Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Jackie Robinson Ballpark National Commemorative Site Act, introduced by U.S. Congressmen Mike Waltz (FL-06) and Darren Soto (FL-09).

The Jackie Robinson Ballpark National Commemorative Site Act honors the stadium where Jackie Robinson played his first professional game and broke the color barrier in baseball. Under this legislation, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Florida, home of the Daytona Tortugas, would be designated as a National Commemorative Site and direct the Secretary of Interior to conduct a feasibility study to give the site the designation of National Historic Landmark. The bill is co-sponsored by the entire Florida House delegation and has the support from both Major and Minor League Baseball.

“Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach has been a landmark in the history of the Civil Rights movement and of Florida,” said Waltz. “On March 17th, 1946, Jackie Robinson changed professional baseball forever when he stepped out onto the field and broke the color barrier in the sport. His courage that day not only redefined the game but also signaled a profound step forward in the fight for civil rights in America. I’m thankful that the House has passed this bill to preserve and honor Jackie Robinson’s legacy, the pivotal role he played in Daytona Beach’s history, and the lasting impact he made on America as a whole.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.