April 10, 1947 -- Jackie Robinsonbecomes the first black player to sign an MLB contract, five days before making his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Dodgers purchased Robinson’s contract from the Montreal Royals, which was worth $5,000. Dodgers GM Branch Rickey made the announcement during the fifth inning of an exhibition contest at Ebbets Field between the Dodgers and Royals. Robinson was unaware of the buyout until Rickey's announcement. Robinson would go on to make history when he started at first base for the Dodgers on April 15th, officially breaking the color barrier in MLB.
Also happening this week:
- April 13, 1908 -- The groundbreaking for Philadelphia’s Shibe Park, which will be the home of MLB's Philadelphia Athletics (1938-70), the Phillies (1938-70) and the Eagles (1940-57).
- April 13, 1972 -- The first MLB strike ends after 13 days.
- April 13, 1997 -- The Hartford Whalers play their last NHL game.
- April 14, 1968 -- The first NBA game is played at Madison Square Garden (Knicks-Rockets).
