Branching Out

Jackie Robinson made history when the racial gap was broken. BUT the reason behind it all was Rickey Branch. Sure Robinson had really great skills and a persona that didn't make him react to the crowd, but Branch was the one who believed in Robinson.

Rickey began his baseball career at Ohio Wesleyan University. He made his major league debut with the St. Louis Browns and after two sessions he was sold to the New York Highlanders.

Rickey approached George MacLaughlin. He told MacLaughlin that he wanted to recruit black players for the Dodgers. MacLaughlin liked the idea, however he told Branch that he needed to find a good player who could control himself. By mid 1945 Branch narrowed his search. Branch liked the idea that Robinson was educated and stayed away from alcohol. Rickey gave Robinson a copy of Papini's Life of Christ and asked him to read it. There were certain sections on nonviolence that he would have to look over because of the negativity that was coming his way.

According to a witness in the meeting Jackie Robinson said, "Mr. Rickey, I think I can play ball ... in Brooklyn. ... If you want to take this gamble, I will promise you there will be no incident." At the end of the meeting, Jackie Robinson signed a contract to play for the Montreal Royal. Rickey Branch stayed alongside Jackie Robinson. Robinson's triumph and Branch's leadership showed the first great public civil rights event.

I think that it took a lot for Robinson to be the first black to play in the major league. But I also think he was ready for change and didn't want to play amateur baseball anymore. I also think that Branch showed leadership through this story and is really seen as a great man for staying by Robinson's side and supporting him through this era.