As part of the 75th anniversary celebration of Danville Stadium this season, the Danville Dans will have a special ceremony Sunday recognizing a special day in the history of the ballpark.
Construction began on Danville Stadium in 1945 after Brooklyn Dodgers President and GM Branch Rickey agreed to place a farm team in Danville if the stadium was built. He later agreed to have the major league Dodgers come to Danville to play an exhibition game.
It was packed house when the Brooklyn Dodgers stopped in Danville on June 20, 1947. The team, traveling by train from Chicago to Cincinnati, enjoyed lunch at the Harrison Park Clubhouse, and defeated their minor league team 14-7 in a game witnessed by over 6,000 fans.
Jackie Robinson had just been called up to the team on April 15 of that year. Also playing in Danville that day were Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, Gil Hodges and many other famous Dodgers.
To commemorate Robinson’s visit to Danville, the city has recently designated Highland Boulevard in front of the stadium as honorary Jackie Robinson Way.
The Dans will recall that special day in history with their game against the Cape Catfish this Sunday, June 20. Game time is 4:30 pm, with a pregame ceremony recalling the Brooklyn team visit to Danville Stadium.
