Northeast News
April 12, 2013

Stars of the movie “42” Chadwick Boseman (second from left), who plays Jackie Robinson, and Harrison Ford who plays Branch Rickey, present the Monarchs jersey that was worn in the movie to Bob Kendrick (far right), president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Also pictured are Jackie Robinson’s son, David, far left, and “42” Producer Thomas Tull.

Movie stars and baseball legends graced the red carpet April 11 for the Kansas City premiere of the movie “42,” starring Harrison Ford (Branch Rickey) and Chadwick Boseman (Jackie Robinson).

Written and directed by Brian Helgeland, “42” captures the story of Jackie Robinson, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues and later the Brooklyn Dodgers, and Branch Rickey, Brooklyn Dodgers general manager.

Rickey took a stand against prejudice and broke baseball’s color barrier by offering Robinson a spot on the Dodgers team. Both men received backlash from the public, the press and other players. Robinson didn’t give in to the negativity and instead let his talent speak for itself on the field.

In 1997, Major League Baseball retired Robinson’s baseball number, 42, for every team, making it the first number in sports to be universally retired. Every April 15, however, baseball players wear a No. 42 jersey for Jackie Robinson Day to honor Robinson and commemorate the date of his first Dodger’s game.

Photos by Leslie Collins

Fans wait for Harrison Ford and other stars to arrive on the red carpet at AMC BarryWoods 24. Heather Anderson Feagans of Kansas City, Mo., holds up a sign that says “Harry Ford carpooled with my dad to Maine Township in 1960!!” Anderson Feagans’ father, William Anderson, attended Maine Township High School in Park Ridge, Ill., with Harrison Ford. During their senior year of high school, the two carpooled to school on a regular basis. “My dad said he (Ford) was always a great guy, really mellow,” she said.
Heather Anderson Feagans of Kansas City, Mo., shows Northeast News her dad’s yearbook which shows Harrison Ford’s senior picture.
Kansas City Royals’ third baseman Mike Moustakas signs his autograph for a youngster.
Harrison Ford (Branch Rickey)
Bob Kendrick (left), president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, walks the red carpet.
Chadwick Boseman (Jackie Robinson)
Chadwick Boseman talks to reporters.
Former Kansas City Royals player George Brett talks to reporters.
Harrison Ford steps away from the red carpet to sign autographs for fans.
Former MLB player Lou Brock walks the red carpet.
Harrison Ford talks about the movie “42.”
Harrison Ford talks to reporters.
Kansas City Mayor Sly James, left, talks to Harrison Ford, right, and Jackie Robinson’s son, David.
Kansas City Mayor Sly James snaps a photo of Harrison Ford and Jackie Robinson’s son, David.