Following the yearly tradition, baseball will honor the memory of Jackie Robinson today as every player league-wide will suit up wearing his famed number 42 on their backs. Today is the 63rd anniversary of Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier. The number was retired throughout baseball by Commissioner Bud Selig on the 50th anniversary when Robinson when he took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers. You won’t be able to walk into a stadium today without being reminded of Robinson’s fantastic achievement.

Yankee Stadium will be home of this year’s main celebration. Robinson’s widow and daughter will be in attendance. 11 other parks league-wide will host ceremonies, including Dodger Stadium, where the now-L.A.-based franchise always plays a home game on April 15. Teams not at home today will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day during another home stand in April. A special home plate and ceremonial lineup cards will be in use at each game. Major League Baseball is certainly pulling out all the stops in honor of the day.

Many players have a connection to Robinson and his family. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is the only player still wearing number 42. African-American players have a special connection to Robinson, who was one of the first major leaguers many of them learned about in their childhoods. Others like to hike up their socks for games in honor of Robinson. Everybody has their own personal reason to remember history, and everybody will celebrate it during today’s games.

History is an important part of any organization, and MLB is no exception. Jackie Robinson didn’t just make a remarkable impact in the world of baseball, but also on the culture of a nation. Hundreds of players over the years believe they owe Robinson a debt of gratitude for allowing them the opportunity to play baseball, and they’re right. Robinson entered baseball at a very dangerous time, and not enough thanks can be given to him for doing what he did.