And Robinson , making his debut as the first black ballplayer on any major - league farm team , had just hit his first home run .
That day , April 18 , 1946 , Robinson and Shuba were teammates on the Montreal Royals of the International League .
Robinson , making Shuba 's debut as the first black ballplayer on any major - league farm team , had just hit his first home run .
That day , April 18 , 1946 , Robinson and Shuba were teammates on the Montreal Royals of the International League .