When Branch Ricky desided to go against major league baseball and break the color line, he of course looked to the Old Negro Leagues.
Jackie Robinson was not his 1st choice. He 1st choice was Sam Jethroe. Sam's agent advised him to hold out for more money. I have the figure somewhere. Ricky could not get a deal at the price he was willing to pay. His 2nd choice of Jackie Robinson was signed.

Sam Jethroe Joined the Old Boston Braves and became the 1st black rookie of the year in the American league a year or two later. If not for the small mindedness of an obscure agent in 1947, we would be celebrating Sam Jethroe as the man that broke baseballs color barrier.

Sam was a good guest at the Fiesta and loved to talk old baseball.
The story above did not come from Sam but he confirmed it.