Jackie Robinson joins MLB The Show 21

In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first player to break Baseball’s color barrier, which blocked players of color from entering Major League Baseball. A true historic trailblazer in sports, broadcasting, business, and the civil rights movement, Jackie was the first African-American to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 following an illustrious professional baseball career in MLB and the Negro Leagues.

Jackie stood for class, the love of the game and, of course, equality. He was a powerful force of positive change, altering the landscape of sports and the world forever. Jackie stood for principles that are more relevant and important today than ever before. While Fernando’s cover celebrates the future of the game, we also wanted to pay respect to baseball’s history and its most powerful forces for positive change. We can think of no one who better represents that, both on and off the field, than Jackie Robinson.

To celebrate Jackie, PlayStation and San Diego Studio are happy to announce that PlayStation will donate $1 to the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) for every MLB The Show 21 Collector’s Edition sold in the US, including the Jackie Robinson Edition, the Jackie Robinson Deluxe Edition and the Digital Deluxe Edition from when pre-orders open through December 31.

The donations will establish the JRF MLB The Show Scholars supported by PlayStation Pathways program. Scholars will receive four-year scholarships and extensive support services, including career guidance and internship placement. It’s important for us to write more than just a check. The partnership with JRF will also include mentorship with PlayStation/SDS employees as well as an internship to get real world, on-the-job experience. We couldn’t be more excited to launch this partnership with Jackie’s family and the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation has been narrowing the achievement gap in higher education for 47 years. The JRF’s holistic approach measurably impacts the lives of young people destined to become impactful leaders. You can learn more about the Jackie Robinson Foundation here. For anyone interested in applying to be a JRF MLB The Show Scholar, stay tuned to the official PlayStation and MLB The Show channels in November 2021 for more information.

Now you’re wondering, “What’s in the Editions?” First, we’re very excited to announce that Early Access is back for anyone that purchases any of the Jackie Robinson Collector’s Editions. Early Access in MLB The Show 21 begins April 16 to give you a four day head start.