Branch Rickey

              Figure

Sincerely Yours Branch Rickey
Redpath.



Branch Rickey
THAT Americans are vitally concerned with sport and should be alert to promote and encourage clean athletics, is the belief of Branch Rickey, who for more than 20 years has been an outstanding figure in the baseball profession.  It is his contention that legitimate contests enliven an otherwise monotonous career, prevent idleness and qualify as moulders of character.

Branch Rickey is a clean-cut athlete whose prowess in the world of sport is accentuated by rare intellectual training and a high sense of duty on moral and religious issues.  Furthermore, his magnetic platform presence, his forceful presentation and his ability to sustain interest through a wealth of personal experiences, make him an ideal lyceum speaker.  His meteoric rise in the platform realm has been as noteworthy as his rapid climb in athletics.

The career of Branch Rickey as a professional athlete began immediately after his graduation from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1904.  His playing on the Dallas team in the Texas league attracted immediate favorable attention, and before the season closed he reported to Cincinnati in the National league.  Later he caught for the St. Louis and New York teams in the American league.

After coaching athletic teams at Allegheny College and Ohio Wesleyan University, Mr. Rickey went to the University of Michigan, where he drilled baseball teams and studied law for four years.  He there discovered George Sisler, present manager of the St. Louis team
 in the American league.  His university degrees include Bachelor of Literature, Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Jurisprudence.

In 1913 Mr. Rickey became secretary of the St. Louis American league baseball club.  A year later he became this team's manager, and then its vice president and business manager.  For three years he was president and for six years manager of the St. Louis club in the National league.  In 1925 he became business manager and vice president of that club.

Branch Rickey is an enthusiast for young people.  He understands the youngster's viewpoint.  That is why, years ago, he organized the Knot-hole Gang in St. Louis, whereby the boys of that city have an opportunity to pay their way with clean living, and as boosters for the home team.  And then—he and Mrs. Rickey have six children of their very own.

Recently a leading baseball authority stated that the day of the rowdy, the rough-neck, the bully and the loose-liver has gone from the big leagues forever.  And Branch Rickey, he added, is one of those who have hastened the passing of that day.  Many of his notions, once considered radical, have been accepted by various managers.  Some day the real story of Branch Rickey, and what he actually did for the game will be told, and it will be summed up, perhaps not in championships, nor in piles of gold and glittering fame, but in simple narrative of a man of brains and character and ideals who left his profession better than he found it.

Those who have known and heard Branch Rickey concur heartily in that tribute and prediction.  He is a man with the bark on, who plays a clean game, and plays to win.




AND THEN CAME RICKEY!
Rochester, N. Y.—Speakers have come and gone—speakers with 'messages'—humorous speakers—sad speakers—speakers who have 'viewed with alarm,' other who have 'pointed with pride.'  And then came Rickey!  Never have we seen an Ad Club audience more intensely held, more thoroughly in tune with the speaker, than was the case last Thursday when the vice president and business manager of the St. Louis 'Cardinals,' one of the finest, strongest figures in all baseball, addressed the Club.

Sandusky, Ohio.—Branch Rickey's lecture was enthusiastically received.  He was a popular hero with our people.

Sistersville, W. Va.—Branch Rickey exceeded our great expectations.  If we can find it possible to have him again we shall consider ourselves unusually fortunate.

Ashtabula, Ohio.—Fun, fact and fair play characterized Branch Rickey's virile address.  Our people were more than pleased.

Coatesville, Pa.—Branch Rickey is a vivid word painter and his message is full of wholesome philosophy.

From President John Heydler of the National Baseball League—It is a fine thing for baseball when a man of Branch Rickey's talent and experience speaks of that subject upon the lecture platform.  He is an eloquent and earnest disciple of the national game and will do incalculable good in setting forth the real spirit and progress of professional baseball.  Mr. Rickey is not only an ex-big league player but he also is a leader who knows every angle of play.  He is a man of fine character and high ideals and has that rare gift of imparting his thoughts and experiences to others.

Beverly, Ohio.—Branch Rickey is genuine.  His lecture is inspiring, entertaining, and contains a wonderful message.  It comes from the lips of a real red-blooded American who has lived and fought for the principles set forth in his original and refreshing discourse.

Omaha, Neb.—Branch Rickey proved one of the most popular speakers who ever appeared before our Advertising-Selling League.  The whole city is talking Branch Rickey today.  He held an audience of almost 1000 for an hour and twenty-five minutes, and at the close of his address his hearers leaped to their feet with an ovation that would have made President Coolidge laugh out loud with pleasure.



REDPATH VAWTER
MANAGEMENT

Cedar Rapids, Iowa