Branch Rickey announces that the Dodgers have signed an agreement with Bud Holman and the city of Vero Beach to rent 104 acres of a former pre-war municipal airport. They will pay $1 a year and take over the maintenance. In 1952 the Dodgers will sign a new 20-year lease for $1 a year, and on March 11, 1953, a new field will be named Holman Stadium.
In his first game outside of New York City, Jackie Robinson has two hits and scores twice in the Dodgers’ 6 – 5 loss to the Phillies. After the game, the Dodgers give their young first baseman a vote of confidence by selling Howie Schultz, Robby’s back-up, to the Phils for $50,000. The next day, Branch Rickey announces he’s giving up his attempts to pry Johnny Mize away from the Giants.
Dodger president Branch Rickey names team scout Burt Shotton to replace Leo Durocher, who was suspended ten days ago by Commissioner Happy Chandler for acts “unbecoming to a major league manager.” Brooklyn’s new 62 year-old skipper reluctantly takes over the team two games into the season and will manage the club for one year in his street clothes along with wearing the team’s hat and jacket.
On April 10, 1947, in one of the most significant moments in baseball history, Jackie Robinson becomes the first black player of the 20th century to sign a major league contract. Robinson signs a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Dodgers, whose general manager, Branch Rickey, had personally recruited Robinson from the Negro Leagues…
On October 30, 1945, Brooklyn Dodgers executive Branch Rickey signs Jackie Robinson and John Wright to minor league contracts with the team’s Triple-A affiliate at Montreal. Robinson will play the entire 1946 season with the Montreal Royals before earning a promotion to Brooklyn and play in his first game on April 15, 1947. Robinson and…
Baseball is the only game you can watch on the radio. Join the community today and listen to hundreds of broadcasts from baseball’s golden age! Sign Up or learn more On October 23, 1945, Brooklyn Dodgers president Branch Rickey announces the signing of Jackie Robinson to a minor league contract. Robinson, who will debut…
A moment in American history takes place in Brooklyn as Branch Rickey meets with Jackie Robinson to share his plans to integrate the major leagues. During the three hour meeting, the Dodgers’ president will shout racial epithets to ‘test’ the 26 year-old ballplayer’s mettle to withstand the abuse which will come with being the first player to cross the color line this century.
1945 – Branch Rickey becomes the principal stockholder of the Dodgers. He and associates Walter O’Malley and John Smith acquire the 50 percent interest of the Ebbets estate for a reported price of $750,000.
1945 – Tryouts are granted to pitcher Terris McDuffie and first baseman Dave Thomas when a group of black players appear at the Brooklyn Dodgers’ offices. The two players will work out at Ebbets Field in front of general manager Branch Rickey on April 7th.
1944 – Branch Rickey suggests the pooling of surplus players if major league 4F players are drafted for military service. Nothing comes of the suggestion.
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!