After an apology, Philadelphia also honoring Jackie Robinson

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — On Jackie Robinson Day, Philadelphia is acknowledging its racist treatment of the baseball pioneer when he played in the city nearly 70 years ago.

City council is highlighting an official apology during a ceremony today honoring the first black Major League player. It issued the apology in a resolution last month.

The ceremony is at Philadelphia Stars Negro League Memorial Park.

Robinson was told to "go back to the cotton fields" by the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies when the team hosted his Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He was also refused service at a hotel and taunted by players who hurled racial slurs when he came to bat.

Major League ballparks are also celebrating Robinson's breakthrough career.