Next month, Shawnee State University will celebrate 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.
These events, 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 Major League Baseball.
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.
Event Schedule:
Thursday, October 22
Branch Rickey’s Legacy: Panel Discussion
Flohr Lecture Hall in Clark Memorial Library. 6:30pm-8:00pm. Historians and scholars discuss Branch Rickey's life, legacy, and Ohio roots.
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
To learn more about the panel click here.
Friday & Saturday, October 23–24
"Rickey: The Life and Amazing Times of Southern Ohio’s Own Branch Rickey"
Directed by and starring Geoffrey Nelson at the Kahl Studio Theater in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at 7pm. A one-act play, based on the life of Branch Rickey, brought to life on stage. Tickets are free.
Saturday, October 24
Historic Walking Tour Kickoff, History Fair & Rickey (2nd Performance)
The day begins with a Local History Fair, with displays highlighting local historical organizations and non-profits. Come learn about how you can get involved in Portsmouth’s Past. From 10am-3pm in the West Ballroom, Morris University Center.
The day continues with the inaugural historic walking tour of the Labold Park complex, with exclusive access to locations within Spartan-Municipal Stadium and Branch Rickey Ballpark. Tours on the hour, starting at 1pm. A limited run of 100 tickets, each including exclusive commemorative swag. Tours are free but require registration.
The evening closes with a second performance of Rickey at the Kahl Studio Theater in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at 7pm. Tickets are free.
To learn more about these activities, visit our website.