Every year since 2004, Major League Baseball has designated a day to honor Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in the league.

This year that day became historic for the ad specialty industry as distributor Accolades Inc. (asi/102910) received the Jackie Robinson MVDBP Award (Most Valuable Diverse Business Partner), the only promotional products marketing firm ever to do so.

"To think our team was selected as one of the firms who most provide a level of service and character comparable to one of my heroes—Jackie Robinson? It blows me away,” said founder and CEO Daryll Griffin in a press release.

Presented by the Atlanta Braves during a pre-game ceremony at Turner Field on April 20, the annual award recognizes diversity partners for the Atlanta Braves and MLB organizations who provide service which reflects the character and commitment to excellence lived by Robinson. Also in attendance were former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who congratulated Griffin on the award.

“We are humbled and thrilled to have the Atlanta Braves and Major League Baseball as our partner, and to help them succeed in their branding projects,” Griffin said. “Combine this with special congratulations from President and Mrs. Carter, and you've made this day a dream of a lifetime.”

Despite President Carter proudly wearing a Braves’ baseball cap, his favorite team succumbed to the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3 in 10 innings, ending Atlanta’s four-game winning streak.

Founded in 1990, Accolades Inc. has served many Fortune 500 companies in the Atlanta market, offering service awards apparel, safety and wellness programs, trade show solutions, golf tournament gifts, donor engagement ideas and custom products.

"Anyone can slap a logo on a product,” Griffin said. “But finding the company who can drive behavior because of the thinking behind the products chosen—that is why companies like the Atlanta Braves turn to Accolades.”