By Kristel Satumbaga
Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed baseball legend Jackie Robinson in the biographical sports film “42”, passed away on Friday (Saturday in Manila) after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was 43.
His death came on the same day the Major League Baseball (MLB) was celebrating Jackie Robinson Day in honor of the iconic player who became the first African-American to play in the Major League.
Players and other on-field personnel in the current MLP season were seen wearing Robinson’s No. 42 jersey.
Jackie Robinson Day is customarily held on April 15, but was pushed four months later this year due to the pandemic.
Boseman’s death was confirmed through a statement on the actor’s Twitter account.
According to the statement, Boseman died at his home with his wife and family by his side after being diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer in 2016.
