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The Dodgers Mookie Betts Laments on the impact of Jackie Robinson’s service and sacrifice. Next Monday, Nov. 10th we’ll unpack his little known military service and patriotism.

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KEVIN CLARK/ Dakar Apprenticeship Editor
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Mookie Betts Honors Jackie Robinson After Winning Fourth World Series Ring

Los Angeles, CA — November 2, 2025

Following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ thrilling Game 7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, Mookie Betts celebrated earning his fourth World Series ring — a career milestone that cements his legacy among baseball’s modern greats.

In a moment of reflection Mookie Betts has turned the spotlight away from himself and has produced a documentary and has been quoted to support the service of another Dodgers legend and American hero: Jackie Robinson.

We intend to interview Mookie Betts for our upcoming series “Victory By Valor” to illuminate more of Mookie’s research and paying homage to one of our nations treasures.

“Every time I put on this uniform, I’m reminded of what Jackie Robinson stood for — courage, discipline, and sacrifice,” Betts said. “He opened doors not just for me, but for generations of athletes who believe they can stand tall and play this game with pride and purpose.

Betts, known for his leadership on and off the field, wore a special commemorative No. 42 pin on his jacket during the championship ceremony in years past. The gesture was his way of honoring Robinson’s enduring impact — both as a trailblazer in Major League Baseball and as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.

The Dodgers organization echoed Betts’ sentiment, announcing that a portion of the team’s postseason charitable proceeds will go toward youth baseball initiatives in underserved Los Angeles communities, and continued support of the Jackie Robinson Scholarship and Foundation.

“Jackie’s dream lives on in every player who uses their platform to uplift others,” Betts concluded. “That’s the real victory.”


“Victory By Valor” — Episode I

A Pre–Veterans Day Live Podcast Discussion

Theme: “From Battlefield to Ballfield: Honoring Veterans Who Became Legends”
Broadcast: Simulcast on Dakarlive.org and fast-streamed live into classrooms
Date/Time: Monday, November 10th, 2025 — 10am–12pm PST / 1–3pm EST

I. Podcast Overview

Objective:
To honor U.S. veterans who became influential public figures — beginning with Jackie Robinson’s military service, whose courage in uniform and in sport embodies “Victory by Valor.” The event bridges history, education, and inspiration, linking schools, veterans’ groups, and corporate partners around a shared story of resilience and leadership.

An educational, reflective, and celebratory day — connecting military service, civil rights, and pop culture.

II. Episode Structure

Segment 1: Opening (10:00–10:10am PST)

  • Intro Theme: “Victory by Valor” , Imagine, John Lennon Music Up.
  • Host Welcome: Dakar Foundation representative introduces theme and purpose.
  • Opening Video Montage: Jackie Robinson’s military and baseball legacy, narrated by a veteran-athlete or celebrity.

Segment 2: Jackie Robinson — The Soldier Before the Star (10:10–10:30am)

  • Discussion of Robinson’s service:
    • Drafted in 1942, became a Second Lieutenant (1943)
    • Served with the 761st Tank Battalion (“Black Panthers”)
    • The Fort Hood bus incident (1944): defiance against segregation
    • Court-martial & acquittal, leading to honorable discharge (1944)
  • Expert guest: historian or military scholar on Black soldiers in WWII
  • Student Q&A (pre-submitted from partner schools)

Segment 3: Why Isn’t Jackie Robinson Commonly Honored on Veterans Day? (10:30–10:50am)

  • Panel discussion with:
    • A military historian
    • Representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs or National Museum of African American History & Culture
    • Veteran-athlete (NFL, NBA, MLB)
  • Talking points:
    • Overlooked Black veterans in U.S. narratives
    • Institutional recognition and cultural memory gaps
    • How schools and corporations can help change the narrative

Segment 4: “Victory by Valor” Tribute (10:50–11:15am)

  • Recognizing other veterans turned cultural icons, e.g.:
    • Elvis Presley (U.S. Army)
    • Ted Williams (Marine Corps WWII & Korea)
    • Morgan Freeman (Air Force)
    • Pat Tillman (NFL → Army Ranger)
    • Nate Boyer (NFL, Green Beret)
  • Quick multimedia spotlight: service photos + post-service achievements

Segment 5: Student Voices — “What Valor Means Today” (11:15–11:35am)

  • Live classroom questions and comments from students around the country
  • Connection to leadership, inclusion, and civic duty

Segment 6: Closing & Call to Action (11:35am–12pm)

  • Announce ongoing “Victory by Valor” Classroom Series (educational modules & veteran stories)
  • Acknowledge sponsors & partners
  • Final words: “Every Hero Has Two Uniforms — One of Service, One of Character”

III. Deliverables for Partners

  • On-Air Recognition (verbal + logo placement)
  • Co-Branded Digital Materials (classroom media kits, teacher guides)
  • Streaming Credits on DakarLive.org and affiliated educational networks
  • Press Release & Media Coverage inclusion
  • Post-Event Impact Report (student reach, media impressions, engagement metrics)

IV. Alignment with Institutional Goals

For Schools & Colleges:

  • Curriculum tie-ins with U.S. history, civics, and social justice 10-16
  • Real-time student engagement with historical storytelling
  • Cross-disciplinary relevance: film, history, media studies

For Corporations:

  • Veteran workforce recognition
  • Positive brand visibility with Gen Alpha-Z and educators
  • CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) media opportunity

V. Next Steps

  1. Formalize sponsorship commitments (by Oct 30, 2025)
  2. Schedule branding assets submission (logos, talking points)
  3. Coordinate pre-event media appearances for sponsors and guest speakers
  4. Launch “Victory by Valor” Classroom Portal with teacher resources

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