Jackie Robinson: Philadelphia says sorry for racism

PHILADELPHIA, March 31 (UPI) -- A Philadelphia councilwoman admitted that the city was one of the "most disappointing places" Jackie Robinson experienced racism, before apologizing.

The admission was included in Helen Gym's sponsored resolution, apologizing to the Hall of Fame star, who broke baseball's color barrier.

"Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that City Council hereby recognize, honor and celebrate April 15, 2016 as a day honoring the lifetime achievements and lasting influence of Jackie Robinson, and apologizing for the racism he faced as a player while visiting Philadelphia," the resolution reads, according to Philly.com.

The resolution, which passed unanimously, will be sent to Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson.

Robinson broke the color barrier on April 15, 1947. The day is now recognized as Jackie Robinson Day. Robinson was denied a hotel room, while his team visited Philadelphia during his playing days. He was also the target of vulgar threats and chants from Phillies fans and even its manager at the time, Ben Chapman.

Many of the racist incidents are portrayed in the 2013 movie about Robinson, titled "42."

"Philadelphia was one of the most disappointing places where he experienced racism," Gym told Philly.com. "And I felt like it was important for City Council to acknowledge that, to acknowledge a great man. And that sometimes can start with an apology."

Robinson died in 1972 at age 53.