By the time Branch Rickey was done with baseball in the late 1950s, the sport was almost unrecognizable thanks to his numerous pioneering contributions. Rickey was a major force in signing Jackie Robinson and breaking baseball’s color barrier, while also providing Roberto Clemente an avenue to the big leagues, drafting him from the Dodgers minor league system. This opened the door to an incoming flood of ballplayers from Latin American countries, further shifting the demographics of the ever evolving sport. Additionally, Rickey was the progenitor of the modern minor league system and among the first to utilize batting helmets (even on defense!).

     Rickey is pictured here with Jackie Robinson, as the Hall of Fame second baseman is preparing to sign his contract in advance of the 1950 season. Robinson inked a deal worth over $30,000, making one of the highest paid players on the Dodgers during Rickey’s tenure as general manager. The photograph measures 13 x 10 ½ inches, and is matted in a larger 18 x 16 inch display. A cut signed by Rickey in green pen is placed in the matted display. This item comes with a LOA from JSA (Z58679).

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