42 is autobiography of Jackie Robinson, the first black athlete to play in Major League Baseball during the modern era. The title of the film is a reference to Robinson's jersey number, which was first and only number to be retired across all MLB teams in 1997.

April 15 was Opening Day in 1947, Robinson's first season in the major leagues. Now every year on April 15 , Jackie Robinson Day is Celebrated at all 30 MLB ballparks, commemorating and honoring the day Jackie Robinson made his major league debut. On that one day, all players, coaches, and managers on both teams, and the umpires, wear Robinson's uniform number, 42.

Released on April 12,2013. Written and directed by Brian Helgeland, the film stars Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson, alongside Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie, Christopher Meloni, André Holland, Lucas Black, Hamish Linklater, and Ryan Merriman in supporting roles.