Sacred Heart’s ‘SHUand42’ Event Scores a Big Success

Former MLB managers reflect on 2000 World Series, share stories about Jackie Robinson

Sacred Heart University’s recent fundraiser for the new Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship, “SHUand42: A Subway Series Celebration,” exceeded expectations.

More than 400 people participated in the virtual event in late October. They watched Joe Torre, former baseball player, manager and current MLB executive, and Bobby Valentine, SHU’s executive director of athletics, discuss the 20th anniversary of the iconic 2000 World Series. That matchup put the New York Yankees against the New York Mets—teams managed at the time by Torre and Valentine, respectively. The two men talked about the championship series, which ended with the Yankees winning the fifth game. This night, the winner was the University’s newest scholarship, named after baseball legend Jackie Robinson.

Robinson became the first African American to play major league baseball (MLB) in 1947, ending racial segregation in the sport. In acknowledgement of his accomplishments and culture-shaping career, all MLB teams retired his uniform number, 42.

The University’s Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship was developed in partnership with The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF). This scholarship is in line with SHU’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, staying true to the core values of the University’s mission. If you would like to watch a rebroadcast of the event, please make a donation and you will receive viewing access. All proceeds from the corresponding live auction will benefit the scholarship as well.

During the first portion of “SHUand42,” Torre and Valentine answered questions from the moderators, Harold Reynolds and Bob Costas, about their famous World Series matchup. “Every game had drama; every game was distinctive,” Costas said. “Most of the games went to the wire.”

“They were exciting games, I’ll live with the memory of them forever,” Valentine said. “I had a chance to be with Joe, to be on that field, to experience wonderful athletes playing at their highest level. Any little break in a game could have taken us to game six or seven. It was an honor just to be there, just like it’s an honor to be here today.”

Later on, Torre and Valentine also reflected on Robinson, who played against the Yankees with another New York team, the Brooklyn Dodgers, in the 1947 World Series. Sharon Robinson, Jackie Robinson’s daughter and JRF board of director’s member, also joined the conversation. “He used to drive these defenders up a tree,” Torre said. “He was so good.”

Torre discussed how Robinson was special for enduring so much as a Black player. “He never backed down from who he was,” Torre said. Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball and endured day-to-day challenges on and off the field, Torre said.

Torre recalled a situation that took place five years after Robinson retired that highlighted just one of those challenges. During Torre’s spring training in 1962, the Black players on his team weren’t allowed to stay in the same hotel as the white players. The entire team moved to one motel so everyone could be together.

At the end of the conversations, Torre and Valentine answered questions from special guests.

“Sacred Heart is very grateful to its generous donors,” said Bill Reidy, vice president for advancement. “Without the help of Joe, Bobby and Sharon, we would not have exceeded our fundraising expectations. We appreciate their time and dedication to this amazing scholarship.”

The JRF employs a selective application process to identify students across the country to receive four-year scholarships in Robinson’s name. The SHU student who receives the scholarship also will participate in JRF programs that promote the values and character traits Robinson embodied.