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Branch Rickey (D. 1965) was an innovative Major League Baseball (MLB) executive elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967. He was perhaps best known for breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier by signing African American player Jackie Robinson, for drafting the first Afro-Hispanic superstar, Roberto Clemente, for creating the framework for the modern minor league farm system, for encouraging the Major Leagues to add new teams through his involvement in the proposed Continental League, and for introducing the batting helmet.

Joe Medwick (1911–1975) was a Hall of Fame left fielder and star of the St. Louis Cardinals’ Gashouse Gang. He won the 1937 National League Triple Crown and MVP, hit .324 lifetime, drove in 1,383 runs, and helped win the 1934 World Series.

Offered is Joe Medwick’s Official Release Document Dated October 9, 1946 (measures 6” x 4.25”) signed by Branch Rickey in black steel tipped fountain pen.

Joe Medwick was given his unconditional release from the Brooklyn Dodgers on October 9, 1946, primarily to make room on the roster for younger players. The decision was made by Dodgers President Branch Rickey.

Details of the Release

Date: The official "Notice to Player" of his release was dated October 9, 1946.
Reason: Branch Rickey explained that the release was due to a crowded roster and the need to provide opportunities for younger talent. At 34 years old, Medwick was a veteran player at the end of his career with declining performance.
Context: Medwick had signed a contract to return to the Dodgers in June 1946, after being released by the St. Louis Browns earlier that year. He played 41 games for the Dodgers during the 1946 season, recording 24 hits in 77 at-bats

After the Dodgers

· The release from the Dodgers allowed Medwick to explore other opportunities.

· · New York Yankees: In December 1946, he signed with the New York Yankees. He attended spring training with them but never appeared in a regular season game. He was released again in April 1947.

· St. Louis Cardinals: He ultimately finished his Major League career with the St. Louis Cardinals, the team he started with, playing for them in 1947 and 1948 before retiring from the majors. He continued to play in the minor leagues for a few more years, through the 1952 season

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