Today in sports history represents much more than the game. The events that occurred on August 26th display how sports can impact the progression of racial justice in the United States. Four years ago today, one of the most controversial events in sports history took place when Colin Kaepernick took his kneel of protest during the national anthem before a preseason game. It does not end there as a man became the first ever black pitcher in the MLB over half a century ago. These events in sports history have impacted racism in America and sparked movement inside and out of the world of sports.

The Start of a Protest

YEAR: 2016

SIGNIFICANCE: Colin Kaepernick began his protest against racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem

The former starting quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, Colin Kaepernick, has become a polarizing figure in society today. Kap had shown a lot of promise as a young athlete with elite wheels and a cannon for an arm. However, four years ago today everything changed for him. By taking a kneel during the national anthem on live television, Kaepernick shocked the nation into somewhat of a divide. By taking a stand for racial injustice, Kaepernick made a name for himself that goes way beyond being a professional athlete.

As a result of this event and a disappointing 2016 season, Kaepernick eventually lost his job with the 49ers and has been unable to sign for any teams in the NFL over the last few years. On a brighter note, his focus has gone towards spreading a positive message and creating change towards racial injustice, specifically around the bay area.

1st Black MLB Pitcher

Dan Bankhead, the first black pitcher in the modern major leagues, homered in his first AB! Satchel said Bankhead threw harder than Feller. pic.twitter.com/CEuMPnTbtP
— Kyle McNary (@KyleMcNary) March 9, 2017

YEAR: 1947

SIGNIFICANCE: Dan Bankhead became the very 1st black pitcher in MLB history

73 years ago, months after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Dan Bankhead became the first black pitcher in MLB history, also with the Dodgers. Unfortunately, Bankhead did not have a good performance on the mound, as he allowed eight runs on 10 hits in just 3.1 innings in a 16-3 Pittsburgh Pirates win.

Despite his lackluster start, Bankhead did make history by becoming the first African American to hit a Home Run in his first AB. Bankhead had a short MLB career, appearing in just 52 games and posting a 6.52 career ERA. But even if his stat sheet doesn’t show it, Bankhead made history and was one of the pioneers of baseball’s integration era.

The Giants Move

YEAR: 1971

SIGNIFICANCE: The Giants officially announced they would leave the Bronx for East Rutherford, New Jersey after 1975

A year short of half a century ago, the New York Giants announced that they were going to move from the Bronx NY to East Rutherford NJ. Since first calling the Bronx home, the Giants found no championship success for 15 years. Beginning their dynasty in New Jersey four years later, the franchise had the chance to rebirth. While in Jersey, the Giants have won a total four Super Bowls in four separate decades displaying the type of long-term success other franchises envy.

In present day, with the franchise still set in East Rutherford, the Giants are in the works of another rebuild. With the Eli Manning era officially over, young talent is showcased throughout the roster including the likes of QB Daniel Jones and RB Saquon Barkley. Additionally, a brand new head coach will be leading New York over the coming years as they look to win a fifth Super Bowl for a fifth straight decade.

Gleyber Among Immortals

Gleyber Torres joins Babe Ruth (15), Joe DiMaggio (14) and Mickey Mantle (13) as the only Yankees players to hit 13+ HR in a single August. #SCFacts pic.twitter.com/0JVU04tvpE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 27, 2019

YEAR: 2019

SIGNIFICANCE: Gleyber Torres became the 4th Yankee ever to hit 13+ HR in the month of August

A game after the New York Yankees made history by hitting over 58 HR in the month of August, Gleyber Torres put his name in the record books by hitting 13 HR in the aforementioned month. He had four multi-homer games during that span, against the Red Sox, Orioles, Indians, and Athletics. Torres became just the fourth Yankee to hit at least 13 round-trippers in the month of August, joining Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle. Torres hit .277/.330/1.023 and slugged a whopping .693 during his incredible month.

MLB.TV Launches

https://twitter.com/RSE34/status/239830842099261440?s=20

YEAR: 2002

SIGNIFICANCE: MLB Advanced Media launched MLB.TV, its live video streaming service

When thinking of baseball history, the launch of streaming service might not be the first event that comes to mind. But when MLB Advanced Media launched MLB.TV, their live video streaming service, back in 2002, it completely shifted the way sports would be consumed by avid fans of America’s pastime. On this day 18 years ago, the very first instance of video streaming coverage of an MLB game took place as over 30,000 fans visited MLB.com to watch the Yankees defeat the Rangers 10-3.

Since then, MLB.TV has become one of the most successful subscription based streaming services, getting millions of live streams daily. The launching of MLB.TV has been a staple in baseball’s quest of expanding the game not only in the U.S., but around the globe and has influenced other sports to expand digitally in an effort to grow the game.