Ohio Wesleyan alumnus Branch Rickey changed history when, as president and general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, he signed Jackie Robinson.
On April 15, 1947, Robinson took the field wearing No. 42 in his first Major League game. The courage and vision of both Rickey and Robinson helped to end racial segregation in professional sports and set the stage for the U.S. Civil Rights movement. In recognition of Rickey’s contributions, ESPN honored him as the “Most Influential Sports Figure of the 20th Century.”
OWU President Rock Jones and Athletics Director Roger Ingles discuss Rickey’s legacy, including how his time at Ohio Wesleyan inspired him throughout his life, today on FOX28’s “Good Day Columbus.” The story, with reporter Cameron Fontana, is set to air at 9:20 a.m.
Source: University Communications.
Contact: Cole Hatcher @ cehatche@owu.edu.