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Dodgertown first sports facility to be added to U.S. Civil Rights Trail

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VERO BEACH, Fla. — Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach gaining nationwide attention after being placed on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

It’s the first sports facility in the country to be added to the list joining other historic landmarks like Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthplace in Atlanta, Georgia.

The designation is the fifth for Florida.

“So even more than Jackie Robinson as important as that is breaking the color barrier in sports, this complex did so much more and integrated society as a whole,” said communication director Ruth Ruiz.

Dodgertown is known for letting everyone sit together in its stadium seats at a time when schools were still segregated.

“The players shared the same dormitory, they shared the same dining room and the recreation facility,” said Ruiz.

Just like the hope this facility gave people during the civil rights era, staff said they are optimistic this new designation will continuing providing a bright and educational future.

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