This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
While most of the baseball world recognizes the date April 15, 1947 as the day Jackie Robinson took the field as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers, changing the game forever, history records another date – April 18, 1946 – with equal importance. That was when Robinson made his minor league debut with the Montreal Royals of the International League at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, integrating professional baseball (and winning the game with a 3-run homer). Robinson, signed by Dodger GM Branch Rickey, had to prove his mettle in Montreal, and did, leading the league with a .349 average and taking his team to the league flag. Robinson would face huge pressure and abuse in the majors, but he was given first-class treatment by his Royals teammates, and the players who signed this historic Official International League ball with him are also an important part of history. Robinson's signature is the last on a side panel, grading a 7. Other names include manager Bob Fontaine, Herman Franks, Curt Davis, Lew Riggs, Chet Ross, and also Al Campanis, who was then a prospect who later became the Dodgers' controversial GM. Signatures on the lightly toned ball are strong 6s and 7s.