Final answer:
The authors portray Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson as instrumental figures in desegregating Major League Baseball, marking a significant change in the sport and wider society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The authors are expressing a viewpoint that Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson played pivotal roles in breaking down racial barriers in professional baseball. Rickey, by signing Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers, initiated the integration of Major League Baseball, and Robinson, by his demeanor and talent, ensured this move was irrevocable and set a precedent for future integration in sports and society. This statement encapsulates the historical significance of their actions, highlighting both Rickey's bold move against the norms and Robinson's impact on ensuring the success and permanence of integration in the sport.