Delaware Plans Branch Rickey Way Commemorative Street Dedication

October 16, 2006

As part of Ohio Wesleyan University homecoming festivities, the City of Delaware will dedicate Henry Street between William and Olentangy Streets as Branch Rickey Way in honor of Ohio Wesleyan University alumnus Branch Rickey, ’04. The dedication will take place during halftime ceremonies at the homecoming football game. The game will be held on Saturday, October 21, at 1:00 p.m. in Selby Field on the Ohio Wesleyan campus, with halftime expected to begin at approximately 2:00 p.m.

Branch Rickey, who served as president and general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, revolutionized the game of baseball and race relations in the United States by signing Jackie Robinson to the Dodgers. Rickey was later named ESPN’s most influential sports figure of the 20th century.

To recognize Branch Rickey achievements and his connection with Ohio Wesleyan University, where he also coached baseball, commemorative street signs will be placed on Henry Street at the corners of Olentangy, Wootring, Weiser, Harrison, Wilmer, and William Streets near the university campus.

Tom Homan, Delaware city manager, and Dr. Mark Huddleston, Ohio Wesleyan University president, will participate in the dedication ceremony.

Three current Jackie Robinson Scholars, Ohio Wesleyan students who receive academic scholarships from The Jackie Robinson Foundation in partnership with Ohio Wesleyan University, also will be recognized. They include: freshman Jaime Fuentes, and juniors Alex Aguilar and Julia Smith.

For more information on homecoming activities, go to homecoming.owu.edu.