A Historic Night at Shea

By Jay Horwitz

We shutout the Dodgers, 5–0 behind Armando Reyoso. Sure, I was glad we won, but on this night the score was really secondary.

History took place at Shea Stadium on April 15, 1997. MLB announced that in honor of Jackie Robinson, from that day forward, no player, coach or manager could ever be assigned the number 42 again. Players like our Butch Huskey, who was currently wearing 42, could continue to wear this special number.

Security around Shea Stadium was intense that night. President Clinton was there as was Rachel Robinson, Sharon Robinson and Commissioner Bud Selig.

One of the highlights for me was when Rachel Robinson signed Butch’s jersey in the clubhouse. He still has the jersey hanging in his home in Oklahoma. The win was great but being a part of history is a memory I will treasure forever.