On April 18, 1946, Jackie Robinson played his first game in “white” baseball. Branch Rickey’s plan was for Robinson to play a year in the Minors, then make his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, thereby breaking the color barrier.

The Dodgers’ top farm team was the Montreal Royals, so that’s where Rickey assigned Robinson out of spring training in 1946. Opening Day found Montreal at Jersey City, and Jackie was in the starting lineup.

This winter, I spent a lot of time putting together an article about the events of this game and their aftermath. I think you’ll find it to be a compelling story, especially on its 75th anniversary. I’m grateful to the Dodgers for agreeing to post it on their Dodger Insider blog site. They’re also including it in the print magazine they publish.

Please take a few minutes and read the story of A Handshake For The Century.

 

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