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Montreal Royals




The Montreal Royals were an AAA Farm Club for the Brooklyn Dodgers , playing in the International League from 1939 to 1960 .

The team holds a unique place in baseball history as being the first major-league affiliate to break the so-called " Colour Barrier ". On October 23 , 1945 , Hector Racine , affluent Montreal Royals president and owner, and Branch Rickey , Brooklyn Dodgers manager and owner, signed Jackie Robinson , an American of African descent. Robinson played with the Royals during the 1946 season.

During that season, Robinson faced the racist resistance of his manager, Mississippi an Clay Hopper , and teammates to his entrance, but soon won them over with his masterful playing (beginning with spectacular play in the opening game against the Jersey City Giants ) and courage facing against hostile crowds and opponents. As for his home city, he was welcomed immediately by the public, who followed his performance in that season with intense adoration. For rest of his life, Robinson remained grateful to the people of Montreal for making the city a welcome oasis for his wife and himself during the difficult 1946 season.

Robinson then left to play for the Dodgers the following year, but not before winning the Minor League World series and being chased by exultant fans right to the train as he left.


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The Royals have won the Governors' Cup , the championship of the IL, 7 times, and played in the championship series 4 times.