ST. LOUIS -- When Commissioner Bud Selig invited all clubs to allow members to wear Jackie Robinson's universally retired No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day, manager Willie Randolph was first in line in the Mets' clubhouse.

The Mets' manager will wear the number April 15 when baseball honors the 60th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier.

"Any time I can be involved with the name Jackie Robinson, it's an honor for me," Randolph said before Wednesday's game. "I want to be the one. He was such a special man who did so much for so many people. I'm looking forward to the ceremony."

The idea of bringing No. 42 out of retirement started with Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., who called Selig and received permission to wear it. Selig then expanded the gesture.

"This is a wonderful gesture on Ken's part and a fitting tribute to the great Jackie Robinson and one, I believe, that all clubs will eagerly endorse," Selig said in a statement. "To make this happen, I gladly will temporarily suspend the official retirement of uniform No. 42 on that day.

"Jackie continues to be an inspiration to all of our players, and his impact will be felt for as long as our game is played. I thank Ken for finding another special way to mark Jackie Robinson Day."

Other players who have received permission to wear No. 42 include Barry Bonds of the Giants, Derrek Lee of the Cubs, Coco Crisp of the Red Sox, Mike Cameron of the Padres, Torii Hunter of the Twins and Dmitri Young of the Nationals. Additionally, the entire Dodgers team will be wearing No. 42 in honor of Robinson.

On April 15, 1997, the 50th anniversary of Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball, Selig announced that Robinson's Number 42 would be retired throughout baseball and would never again be issued to on-field personnel. Players such as Mariano Rivera, who started wearing the number before it was universally retired, have been allowed to keep it.

"If it weren't for Jackie Robinson, I wouldn't be able to put on the uniform I'm wearing today," Griffey said. "He should be an inspiration not only to baseball players but to anyone who fights prejudice and hatred."

Each of the 15 games throughout Major League Baseball on April 15 will feature festivities to honor Robinson. The national celebration of Jackie Robinson Day will take place at Dodger Stadium with a VIP-filled reception and on-field ceremony prior to the game between the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. Among those participating in the festivities will be: Rachel Robinson, Jackie's wife and founder of The Jackie Robinson Foundation; their daughter, author Sharon Robinson; several of Jackie's former teammates; baseball executives and civic and industry leaders; Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars; and winners of the Breaking Barriers Essay Contest.