Branca, a Mount Vernon native, was a three-time All-Star pitcher and friend of Robinson. He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1944 to 1956, the Detroit Tigers from 1953 to 1954, and the New York Yankees in 1954. He stood next to Robinson at his debut in 1947 when the players on the opposing team refused to take the field. Branca’s son-in law, Valentine of Stamford, Conn., played for the LA Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Mets and Mariners. He retired as a player and became the manager of the Texas Rangers in 1985. He managed the New York Mets from 1996 to 2002, and later the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan and the Boston Red Sox. He is currently the athletic director of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. The discussion will be moderated by baseball historian Marty Appel. Tickets are $35 for non-members of the Picture House; $20 for members; and $10 for seniors, students and children. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office at 175 Wolfs Lane, Pelham.
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