Mr. Americana has signed on to play Branch Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodgers exec that orchestrated the groundbreaking signing of Jackie Robinson, the first black player in Major League Baseball, in a yet-untitled historical drama.

The film, helmed by writer-director Brian Helgeland, who wrote both Mystic River and L.A. Confidential, will focus more on the dynamic between the two men, rather than the logistics of Robinson breaking the color barrier. Further, Rickey had many other contributions to the modern game that may be examined outside of his relationship with Robinson.

Redford rarely appears in movies he doesn’t direct anymore, but this fit seems so natural that it would almost be strange discussing anyone else in the role after Redford’s name was mentioned. No word on release or development dates yet, so stay tuned. (24 Frames)

*I’m quite pleased with myself for negotiating this whole piece without pointing out the obvious physical similarities between Redford’s face and a baseball glove. Shit.*