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1961 Branch Rickey Signed Bank Check (PSA)
Presented is an opportunity to obtain a Branch Rickey signed bank check from 1961. Rickey profoundly changed American society, not just baseball, when the Dodger part-owner and chief executive, known as "The Mahatma," signed Jackie Robinson to a Brooklyn Dodgers contract. After Robinson had a year's seasoning at Montreal, a Brooklyn Triple A farm club, Rickey arranged for Robinson to break baseball's long-standing "Color Line" on April 15, 1947. Rickey, as a baseball executive, built championship organizations for the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Dodgers, and his machinations with the Cardinals crested baseball's first real, extensive farm system. In addition, Rickey 's leadership of the Pittsburgh Pirates, (1951-55), resulted in the Pirates adding Roberto Clemente, Vern Law, Elroy Face, Bill Mazeroski, and Dick Groat, and each was a key player when the Pirates defeated the New York Yankees to win the 1960 World Series. Rickey was by all accounts an ethical man, deeply religious, with great baseball knowledge and creativity. He usually got a percentage cut out of every player contract sold by his organization, and he accumulated great wealth, but he was not perfect. According to Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Pirate slugger Ralph Kiner (later a long time New York Mets' announcer), when Kiner asked Rickey for a raise following a superb year for Kiner - but a dismal year for the his team, the Pirates - Rickey declined the raise and told Kiner, "We finished last with you. We can finish last without you." Kiner eventually signed his contact, but would later say of Rickey, "He threw nickels around like manhole covers." Thus, the offered Rickey signed check, makes an outstanding remembrance for a groundbreaking visionary who had the foresight and courage to collaborate with Jackie Robinson to overcome baseball's long-standing and unwritten Color Line. The presented check measures 3x8.25", and it is drawn on the Peoples First National Bank & Trust Company, of Pittsburgh, Pa., in the amount of $34.26. The check is written to the Sutton Radio and Television Co. The check has "Branch Rickey" machine printed on the left side, and it is dated January 13, 1961. Rickey has neatly signed the check is blue ink and the check has been cashed. The check has been encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified as AUTHENTIC AUTO. This signed Branch Rickey check adds interest and value to any collection as his signature represents a vitally important personage in the history of America.
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