Larry King honours Jackie Robinson in Montreal

American retired talk show host Larry King joined Montreal Mayor Denis Coderreto showcase Jackie Robinson'soriginal contracts, asthe Cityof Montrealcontinuedits push forthe return of the Expos.

The original contracts Robinson signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers and its farm club, the Montreal Royals, were presented at City Hall on Wednesday.

It marks the first time the documents have been on displayin Montreal.

• Jackie Robinson's ground-breaking contract on display
• Jackie Robinson talks about playing baseball in Montreal

"I got to interview Jackie, twice," King said.

"And he told me the happiest year of his life was in 1946, which he got to spend in Montreal, Quebec. He never saw racial discrimination. He never was booed. He never was treated wrongly."

"I got to interview Jackie, twice. And he told me the happiest year of his life was in 1946, which he got to spend in Montreal," Larry King said.

8 years ago

Duration 1:24

The original contracts Robinson signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers and its farm club, the Montreal Royals, arrived at city hall.

The contracts were acquired by Collectors Cafe founder and CEO Mykalai Kontilai in 2013 and valued at $36 million by Seth Kaller, an expert in American historic documents. King is an ambassador forCollectors Cafe.

Coderresaluted Robinson for opening the door to other black players in the MLB.

"He was just here for a year, but what a year," Coderre said."We won the World Series. But it was more than that."

Kontilaiis touring the documents, which have alreadybeen displayed in New York City and Toronto.

Robinson signed the contract with the Royals on Oct. 23, 1945. At the time, the team was the Dodgers' top farm club. He received a $3,500 bonus and $600 per month salary.

Robinson's legacy

He finished the 1946 season as the league's batting champion and helped the Royals win the league championshipfor the first time since its inception.

Robinson and his wife Rachelalways spoke fondly of his time in Montreal, but it was short-livedthe following year, he signed the contract with the Dodgers, officially beginning his historic first season in the MLB onApril 15, 1947.

His signing helped pave the way for other black players to make the jump to the MLB. Manywere already playing in all-black leagues.

Robinson had to endure the racism of fans, coaches and players alike during his career.

His No. 42 is now retired across the major leagues, and the league has helda Jackie Robinson Day every year since 2004.

After retiring from baseball in 1957, Robinson became a businessman andused his fame to playa key role in the AmericanCivil Rights movement.

He died in 1972 after suffering a heart attack.

Those interested in seeing thedocumentsup close can check them outWednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Montreal City Hall.