LAS CRUCES, N.M. – On April 15, 2004, Major League Baseball (MLB) initiated Jackie Robinson Day as a day to commemorate and honor the day that Jackie Robinson made his major league debut. This Tuesday, the Aggies will host New Mexico and will honor the late Jackie Robinson and the road he paved for those to follow in his footsteps on the diamond by displaying the number 42 on the field. Tuesday's game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased here.
 
The game of baseball has forever benefited from Robinson's efforts and that has been no different within the Aggie program. Several former Aggies recognize the sacrifices that Robinson made and realize the windows of opportunity that his commitment opened.
 
Daniel "Jet" Johnson (Played at NM State from 2015-16)
"Jackie Robinson was more than just a ballplayer. He was historic icon both on and off the field. Becoming the 1st African American player to play in Major League Baseball not only turned heads but inspired young kids like myself. He's the reason you see so many young black kids playing baseball today. Not only did he pave the way, he gave the black community a voice in baseball. We too can play this game at the same competitive level given the opportunity.
 
Jackie Robinson is the reason I have been able to accomplish everything I have so far. Not only did he inspire me and so many others to infiltrate the MLB, he helped me become the man I am today. Jackie changed the game baseball and so many lives in between. Thank you forever Jackie Robinson."
 
Johnson played for the Aggies from 2015-16 and appeared in 100 games, including making 97 total starts. During his time with the Aggies, he maintained a .353 average and produced 66 RBIs on 140 hits. His performance at NM State helped propel him to being selected in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB Draft with the 154^th overall pick by the Washington Nationals.
 
In 2019, Johnson played in the MLB Futures games as part of All Star Weekend. Johnson ultimately made his MLB debut on July 25, 2020, when he appeared in a game for the Cleveland Guardians. Three days later, Johnson would record his first major league hit during a bout against the Chicago White Sox. He has now played 36 games in the MLB and just last season, he was called up to the major leagues by the Baltimore Orioles amid a playoff push.
 
Quinton Mack (Played at NM State from 2013-16)
Dear Jackie Robinson: "Growing up as an African American who loved baseball, I always heard your name before I even knew what the word "barrier" really meant. My father would sit me down and talk about the courage you showed when you stepped onto that field in 1947 wearing number 42. He said Jackie played with fire in his heart, grace in your soul, and pressure on his shoulders that no one should have had to carry alone. And yet—you carried it. For all of us.
 
When I first picked up a bat, I did it with a dream in my chest, knowing that dream was possible because of Jackie Robinson. You didn't just break a color line—you opened a door. And every time I ran onto the field, I felt like I was walking through that same door you held open.    
 
There were moments I faced unfair treatment. But then I'd remember what Jackie endured how he stayed silent when others would have shouted, how you kept playing when the world wanted you gone. Jackie strength gave me strength. His legacy reminded me that my talent mattered, and that I belonged.
 
Jackie didn't just change baseball he changed lives. Mine included. Because of Jackie, I got to chase a dream that once seemed out of reach for someone who looked like me.
 
I wore Jackie Robinson number my whole life until college and I wore it with pride knowing what he endured, and I still have him hanging in my house with the word "courage" under it and look at it and remind myself what hard work looks like. 
 
Thank you, Jackie, appreciate everything he has done for not just baseball but for every sport opened many doors that remain open forever."
 
During his time with the Aggies, Mack appeared in 97 games and drove in 57 RBIs on 60 hits. He also managed to steal 30 bases during his time with the Aggies, including leading the team and finishing second in the WAC with 17 stolen base in 2013. Mack would go on to be selected in the 35^th round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks and played in 59 games at the minor league level.
 
Keith Jones II (Played at NM State from 2023-24)
"Jack Robinson Day is very dear to me especially as a black baseball player. Today I get to honor Jackie and his strength and courage and also his peers and all of those people during those turbulent times were able to have the strength and the courage to push through all the things they were going through and that they had to deal with from outside pressures and just appreciate what they did so I would have the opportunities that I have today. "
 
Keith Jones II wrapped up a stellar career with the Aggies last season when he paced the Aggies in batting average (.367), hits (81), RBIs (67), home runs (17), runs (67), slugging percentage (.710) and walks (35) – becoming the first Aggie to win the triple crown since 2007. In 2024, Jones II earned his second all-CUSA honor as he was named First Team All-CUSA following a second team selection in 2023.
 
In total, Jones II played in 99 games for the Aggies and recorded 143 hits, 95 RBIs and 26 home runs. Jones II went on to be selected in the ninth round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers and has since appeared in 12 games at the minor league level.