This October, Shawnee State University celebrates Ohio’s sports legacy with Ohio’s Game Changers, a three-day weekend of events honoring Branch Rickey, the southern Ohio native whose decision to sign Jackie Robinson reshaped American sports and society.
This weekend, funded in part by the America 250-Ohio Commission, brings together scholars, storytellers, and the community to explore Rickey's legacy and its place in American history. In addition, October 23rd marks the 81st anniversary of Robinson's first contract signing with Branch Rickey in 1945, marking the beginning of the integration of MLB.
The community is invited to join Shawnee State University in celebrating this milestone weekend, honoring a legacy that continues to shape the game and American life.
Branch Rickey’s Legacy: Panel Discussion
October 22 | 6:30 pm
Flohr Lecture Hall, Clark Memorial Library
The Man Who Changed the Game: Branch Rickey
Join scholars and historians for a panel discussion on Branch Rickey: the Ohio-born baseball executive whose decision to sign Jackie Robinson reshaped American sports and society. Explore his roots, his risk, and his lasting legacy.
The Panel features:
Leslie Heaphy, Ph.D., author of “Jackie Robinson and the 1945 Monarchs,” Associate Professor of History, Kent State University at Stark, President, International Women's Baseball Center Board, Chair, SABR Women in Baseball Committee; and Chair, Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference
Jerry Holt, Ph.D., author of "Rickey: The Life and Amazing Times of Southern Ohio’s Own Branch Rickey,” Professor (retired), Purdue University; former Chair, English Dept. & Dean, College of Arts and Science at Shawnee State University
Al Oliver, Seven-time MLB All-Star; "Mr. Ambassador," City of Portsmouth, OH
Drew Feight, Ph.D., Professor of History, Director, Center for Public History at Shawnee State University, and developer of the Scioto Historical Project mobile app and website
“Rickey: The Life and Amazing Times of Southern Ohio’s Own Branch Rickey”
October 23 & 24 | 7 pm
Kahl Studio Theater, Vern Riffe Center for the Art
His Story, Live On Stage
Experience Rickey: The Life and Amazing Times of Southern Ohio’s Own Branch Rickey, a powerful one-act play, directed by and starring Geoffrey Nelson, based on the life of Branch Rickey: the Ohio-born executive whose courage reshaped the game of baseball. Live theater brings his story to the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts stage across two performances.
Labold Park Historical Walking Tour
October 24 | Tours on the hour, starting at 1 pm
Walk Where American History Was Made
Be among the first to experience the new Scioto Historical Project walking tour of Shawnee State’s Labold Park complex. Limited to just 100 tickets, this exclusive kickoff event includes commemorative swag you won't find anywhere else. History doesn't just live in books, this weekend, you can walk through it.
Limited to 100 tickets, exclusive swag included.
History Fair
October 24 | 10 am-3 pm
West Ballroom, Morris University Center
Portsmouth’s Past, All in One Place
Cap off the weekend at the History Fair, with historical displays highlighting the programming, projects, and collections of Portsmouth area historical organizations and related non-profits. Meet and network with others who are working to preserve and promote history in Portsmouth.
This event is free and open to the public.
Ohio’s Game Changers is funded in part by the America 250-Ohio Commission.
Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this event do not necessarily represent those of the America 250-Ohio Commission.