Even casual fans know the name of Branch Rickey for bringing Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 while serving as general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was a move that changed baseball forever. Yet Rickey’s place in the game goes well beyond that monumental decision. He helped develop the modern farm system, helped bring protective head gear into the … [Read more...]
Top Banner 486X60
Man Cleaning Out Desk Finds Trio of Important 1950’s Autographs
You never know what you’ll find stuck inside an old desk. For Reggie Grant of Springfield, MA, it was a piece of baseball history. The 66-year-old was cleaning out a very old desk drawer at his home when he says he found something that looked like a report card. He almost crumpled it up but took another look and found photos of some baseball legends from decades ago. Not … [Read more...]
Holy Mystery: Branch Rickey’s 1953 Pirates Signed Bible Falls into Library Group’s Hands
An autographed Bible? It may sound odd, but 60 years ago, 31 members of the hapless 1953 Pittsburgh Pirates apparently put their names in ink inside a Catholic Bible and presented it to general manager Branch Rickey. The unusual signed piece was donated to the Friends of the Sacramento (CA) Public Library where it sat for months, waiting to be repaired. Ralph Kiner, Joe … [Read more...]
Editor’s Blog: Early Rickey, Hollywood Casting Call
Everyone associates Branch Rickey with the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers and Jackie Robinson. Actually, that was just the fulfillment of a promise Rickey made as a very young collegiate baseball coach. Robert Edward Auctions has a 1904 Ohio Wesleyan team photo in its upcoming auction. It's rare--both for what it is--and what it represents. A poignant tale, indeed. Well worth … [Read more...]
