Branch Rickey History: August 18, 1959 - Branch Rickey resigns as Pirates' CEO to be President of Continental League October 25, 1955 - Branch Rickey steps down as General Manager of the Pirates November 6, 1950 - Branch Rickey signs 5-yr contract as Vice President/General Manager of Pittsburgh Pirates October 26, 1950 - Branch Rickey resigns as Brooklyn Dodger president October 30, 1945 - Branch Rickey signs Jackie Robinson to a Montreal Royals October 29, 1942 - Branch Rickey named president/General Manager of Brooklyn Dodgers June 28, 1907 - Nationals steal a record 13 bases off catcher Branch Rickey December 20, 1881 - Branch Rickey, born in Portsmouth, Ohio, baseball executive, Dodgers