KANSAS CITY -- The Royals' Reggie Sanders and Emil Brown will wear No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson on Jackie Robinson Day on April 15 in Baltimore.

"To have the ability first of all from MLB to bring that number to light and to show the appreciation for what he has done in baseball and what he is doing in the world, it is like giving back and honoring a legend that fought through so much," Sanders said.

Brown echoed similar sentiments.

"It's a privilege to wear his number," Brown said.

When Major League Baseball contacted Sanders about wearing the number, the 16-year veteran jumped at the opportunity.

"You don't even have to ask," Sanders said with a big smile.

"It was a no-brainer," Brown added.

After the game, Sanders -- like several players, including the Cubs' Cliff Floyd -- would like to keep the jersey after the game.

"Most definitely," Sanders said. "But that's not what it's all about. It's about giving him respect and giving him what he deserves -- that's the only reason I am doing that. It's not because of all of the other stuff that might come with it. It's about how he fought so hard to have me here."

The players will join multiple players and teams across Major League Baseball that will honor Robinson. Several players and teams, including Dontrelle Willis and the Los Angeles Dodgers, will wear No. 42.

April 15 will mark the 60th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier.