Brooklyn Heights in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Where the Dodgers Made Baseball History and Jackie Robinson Changed America
Inscription.
Once upon a time (1890-1957), there was a major league baseball team in Brooklynthe Dodgers. They played their games at Ebbets Field (1913-1957) in Flatbush, where the fans and players dodged the trolley cars to get to the ballpark. But it was here, on this site, that the team was headquartered from 1938-1957.
During these "golden years" in the team's history, the business officers of the Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball Club were here, at 215 Montague Street. And in these offices, on August 28, 1945, Jackie Robinson, a rising star of the Negro Leagues, met with Branch Rickey, Dodger President and General Manager, and signed an agreement to play for the Dodger organization, thus initiating the process of becoming the first African-American player on a major league baseball teamintegrating the major league and making baseball truly the pastime of all the nation.
Erected 1998 by EAB and the Brooklyn Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.
Location. 40° 41.638′ N, 73° 59.45′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Brooklyn Heights. It is at the intersection of Montague Street and Court Street on Montague Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 215 Montague Street, Brooklyn NY 11201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, the Western Hemisphere, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cornelius Heeney (within shouting distance of this marker); Christopher Columbus (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington A. Roebling (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War I Memorial Grove (about 300 feet away); John Cashmore (about 300 feet away); Brooklyn Heights / Downtown Brooklyn (about 300 feet away); Henry Ward Beecher (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Brooklyn Heights / Downtown Brooklyn (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all
markers in Brooklyn.
Additional commentary.
1. Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was a natural born athlete and Civil Rights Activist from an early age. In 1941, Jackie was honorably discharged from the military for refusing to sit in the back of the military bus. Upon signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946, Jackie had to suppress his activism and his inclination to strike back at that those against integration.
The signing at the site, created backlash from the community, as well as Major and Negro League team owners. Jackie later moved on to be the Rookie of the Year and the League's Most Valuable Player. All the while, silently continuing to fight segregation.
— Submitted July 29, 2010, by Patrick Bentsen of Bronx, New York.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2010, by Patrick Bentsen of Bronx, New York. This page has been viewed 2,891 times since then and 119 times this year. Last updated on September 14, 2025, by Jack DePalma of Brooklyn,NY, New York. Photos: 1. submitted on July 29, 2010, by Patrick Bentsen of Bronx, New York. 2. submitted on August 2, 2010, by Todd Florio of Brooklyn, New York. 3. submitted on September 15, 2025, by Jack DePalma of Brooklyn,NY, New York. 4. submitted on September 24, 2025, by Jack DePalma of Brooklyn,NY, New York. 5. submitted on January 8, 2026, by Jack DePalma of Brooklyn,NY, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.




