Jackie Robinson Signs with Montreal Royals: A 1945 Baseball Milestone
The article discusses Branch Rickey's groundbreaking move to sign two Negro players, Jackie Robinson and John Wright, during his tenure in the minor leagues with the Montreal International League. Rickey, known for his innovative management style, secured Robinson, a talented shortstop from the Kansas City Monarchs, and Wright, a pitcher formerly with the Newark Eagles. The signing occurred on October 23, 1945, with Robinson having an extensive background in sports from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he excelled in both football and track. Wright, a New Orleans native, served in the Navy and played for an All-Negro team in 1944. The reception for Robinson's signing was mixed, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards racial integration in sports. The article notes initial objections from the Kansas City Monarchs’ promoters but indicates that such protests eventually diminished.