Rickey, Branch Wesley (1881-1965)

US baseball executive. As president of the Brooklyn Dodgers 1942-50, he made baseball history by signing Jackie Robinson, the first black American to play in the major leagues. As president of the St Louis Cardinals 1917 and manager 1919-25, he pioneered the minor-league system of developing talent.

Born in Stockdale, Ohio, USA, Rickey received a law degree from the University of Michigan 1911. Always active in athletics, he signed as a catcher with the St Louis Browns 1905-06. With the New York Yankees 1907, he then retired as a player. In 1913 he accepted a managerial job with the Browns.