Clyde Sukeforth, better known as “Sukey” played for the Cincinnati Reds and Brooklyn Dodgers over nine seasons. Sukey, after retiring as a player, began his coaching career in the Brooklyn Dodgers minor league system in 1937. Ultimately, he was promoted back to Brooklyn to be on the big club’s coaching staff in 1943, and even came out of retirement for 18 games at the beginning of 1945.

     Sukeforth would retire again, this time permanently, as he returned as a coach and occasional special-assignment scout. It was in this capacity where Sukeforth would help Branch Rickey to break the racial segregation that had existed. Rickey sent Sukey to Chicago to watch the Negro Leagues in 1945, where Robinson was a member of the Kansas City Monarchs as they played the Chicago American Giants. It was Sukeforth’s job to convince Robinson to come back with him to Brooklyn to meet Rickey and Dodgers. Sukeforth met up with Robinson in Toledo, Ohio and the two of them traveled back to Brooklyn for the historic meeting that ultimately led Robinson signing with the Dodgers. It was also Sukeforth, who was serving as interim manager on April 15, 1947, that wrote Robinson’s name in the Opening Day lineup as he made his historic debut.

     This Official National League William D. White baseball has been signed by the late Clyde Sukeforth on the sweet spot. Sukeforth’s signature is in bold blue fine-tipped marker. The ball is in excellent condition, with only very slight toning. The signature is bold and clear and comes with PSA/DNA COA (U46907).

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