DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers are currently accepting submissions for the 16th Annual Detroit Tigers Jackie Robinson Art, Essay & Poetry Contest. Now through March 9, middle and high school students from the metro Detroit area may enter the contest by entering an original work of art, an essay or a poem in honor of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson.

On April 15, 1947, Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball during his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. As a way of celebrating the momentous and historic event, and keeping the memory of Robinson alive, the Tigers host an annual art, essay and poetry contest in his honor.

Contest winners will receive five complimentary tickets and be honored during a special on-field, pregame ceremony held at Comerica Park on Friday, April 20, 2012 before the Tigers host the Texas Rangers.

Contest criteria:
ART: Create an artistic expression that captures the spirit of Jackie Robinson’s nine values of success: courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment and excellence. Artwork can be a painting, drawing, or rendering, no larger than 22”x28.”

ESSAY: Write an essay that chronicles, “How can one or more of Jackie Robinson’s nine values of success help build peace and prevent conflict?” Essays should be typewritten, double-spaced and limited to one page.

POETRY: Write a poem that explores one-or-more of Jackie Robinson’s nine values of success. Poems should be typewritten, double-spaced and limited to one page.

To enter, contestants must submit an original piece of art, an essay or poem by 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2012. An official entry form must accompany each submission. Items may be mailed or delivered to:

Detroit Tigers, Inc.
Attn: Sam Abrams
2100 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201

For more information, including the official entry form, visit tigers.com/education or call Sam Abrams at 313-471-2363.