Branch Rickey served as the Brooklyn Dodgers’ president and general manager for seven years until the team elected not to extend his contract on October 16, 1950

After a disagreement with Walter O’Malley, the main owner, Rickey quit. When Rickey left the Dodgers, he held a quarter of the team; he eventually sold O’Malley his share.

Following over thirty years as general manager of the St. Louis Browns and St. Louis Cardinals, Rickey first signed with the Dodgers at the close of the 1942 season. His signing of Jackie Robinson to a Minor League contract, who went on to shatter baseball’s color barrier, is his most famous action.

During his time with the Dodgers, Rickey led the team to two National League pennants after winning four World Series with the Cardinals.

He later joined his son, who was the team’s vice president and director of the farm system, as executive vice president and general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

During his five seasons as manager, the Pirates finished in last place all but once, making Rickey’s tenure difficult. Health issues forced him to quit after the 1955 campaign; he later became president of the projected Continental League.

Rickey started talks to become the first president and general manager of the New York Mets after plans for a third Major League were shelved. He rejoined the Cardinals as a special advisor and general consultant after negotiations broke down.

After the 1964 season, Rickey’s contract with the Cardinals was cancelled, bringing an end to his 62-year professional baseball career.

Will Smith of the Braves hits a home run

In addition, Will Smith homered against former Atlanta Braves pitcher Will Smith on this day in Dodger history during Game 5 of the NL Championship Series at Globe Life Field. A hitter facing a pitcher with the same first and last name for the first time in MLB postseason history.

In a crucial Game 5, the Dodgers took a decisive lead thanks to Smith’s two-out, three-run home run. After winning the next two games against the Braves, Los Angeles continued their 2020 postseason run and advanced to the World Series.

After that, the Dodgers won their first championship since 1988 by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in six games.