Since the Dodgers team did not own a spring training complex , the schedule was controlled by the towns in the area . Some of these towns did not allow any event involving Robinson or Johnny Wright , another black player whom Rickey had signed to the Dodgers in January . Since the Dodgers organization did not own a spring training facility ( the Dodger-controlled spring training compound in Vero Beach known as `` Dodgertown '' did not open until spring 1948 ) , scheduling was subject to the whim of area localities , several of which turned down any event involving Robinson or Johnny Wright , another black player whom Rickey had signed to the Dodgers ' organization in January .