Branch Rickey's Little Blue Book - Part 1

This book is the collection of thoughts written on pieces of paper over the years by Branch Rickey. It was compiled and edited by John J. Monteleone. Branch Rickey was an innovator in the sport of baseball. He was a relatively poor player, playing in only 119 games as a catcher and outfielder, but his real success came as an executive. He was the general manager of the St Louis Browns, St Louis Cardinals, LA Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates. He is partially responsible for the colour barrier coming down in baseball when he facilitated Jackie Robinson's path the major leagues.

The book begins with Branch's wisdom. We learn about effort and excellence through his short notes. "A man who isn't alert is usually in the second division and that's where he belongs".  Branch really believed that hard work and honesty were characteristics that were crucial in the success of any human being. It only takes a few pages of reading to identify that this book is geared to anyone who wants to live a good life. Throughout the book, he talks about enjoying every aspect of life, whether it be adventure or discipline. His experiences push you forward and make you want to become a better person. "Men who do only what they want to do can become very narrow." 

Branch had thousands of scouting reports on small sheets of paper and in the book, several are included. They are much shorter than the scouting reports we see today, but they are fantastic tidbits of past information. Many of the top players Rickey scouted are included and usually he was right on the target with his assessments. 

Branch Rickey does not believe in luck, he feels that hard work results in luck. It is an interesting view indeed. He tells us to take our time and make big decisions after thinking them through. "You can't solve everything in a minute. Make time your ally. Delay sharp action" Rickey was a great trader. He was way ahead of his time assigning a dollar value to each player that he had and each player that he scouted. If he were receiving a greater dollar value of players in return he would make the deal. 

Rickey's revolutionary changes to baseball will continue in part 2.

Michael Snow

"This Little Blue Book is the residue of his wisdom that baseball needs" Dave Anderson - New York Times