Jackie Robinson 70th anniversary auction to benefit JRF ending April 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2017
Branch Rickey sent this letter to Detroit Tigers General Manager John Zeller on May 3rd, 1945, two years before Jackie Robinson debuted in the Major Leagues. In this letter, Rickey discusses the passing of the Quinn-Ives Law, which banned workplace discrimination based on “race, creed, color, or national origins.” The Quinn-Ives Law being enacted paved the way for Jackie Robinson to play in the Majors, as it eliminated any legal way for the other owners to prevent him from playing.
Rickey signed the bottom of the letter in black pen. This 8 x 10.5 inch letter comes encased in a 15.5 x 25 inch frame. An 8 x 9 inch black and white photograph of Jackie Robinson, Rachel Robinson, and Branch Rickey at Jackie’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony is also displayed in the frame. This item comes with an LOA from PSA/DNA.