Branch Rickey

Branch Rickey sat down with Sports Illustrated’s Gerald Holland in 1955 and discussed his life in baseball, touching on his signing of Jackie Robinson, his decision to stay in baseball over law and politics, and baseball’s role in American society.

“Idleness is the worst thing in this world. Idleness is doing nothing and thinking of wrong things to do. Idleness is the evil that lies behind the juvenile delinquency that alarms us all. It’s the most damnable thing that can happen to a kid—to have nothing to do,” he said. “The game that gives challenge to our youth points the way to our salvation. The competitive spirit, that’s the all-important thing. The stultifying thing in this country is the down-pressure on competition, the some-thing-for-nothing philosophy, the do-as-little-as-you-can creed—these are the most devastating influences today. This thinking is the kind that undermines a man's character and can undermine the national character as well.”

To learn more about Branch Rickey, visit his profile on findingDulcinea.