#IDedicateThisWeekTo Larry Doby, who broke The American League’s baseball color barrier the same year Jackie Robinson was the first black player in The National League, 1947.
when he signed a contract to play with Bill Veeck's Cleveland Indians.
when he signed a contract to play with Bill Veeck's Cleveland Indians.
Larry Doby
A seven-time All-Star center fielder, Doby and teammate Satchel Paige were the first African-American players to win a World Series championship when the Indians took the crown in 1948. He helped the Indians win a franchise-record 111 games and the AL pennant in 1954.
A seven-time All-Star center fielder, Doby and teammate Satchel Paige were the first African-American players to win a World Series championship when the Indians took the crown in 1948. He helped the Indians win a franchise-record 111 games and the AL pennant in 1954.
We were barred from organized ball because we were black. We knew it. We didn’t talk about it. We didn’t think about it [while a member of Newark Eagles Of Negro National League].
But then a great man named Bill Veeck bought my contract and made me a Cleveland Indian.
Larry Doby
But then a great man named Bill Veeck bought my contract and made me a Cleveland Indian.
Larry Doby
“When the manager brought me around the locker room to meet the players, I was humiliated. All but three turned their backs on me: Joe Gordon, the second baseman, Jim Hegan, the catcher, and Bill McKechnie, a coach, were the only ones who shook my hand.”
Larry Doby
Larry Doby
Larry Doby
All quotes are reported by:
Jerry Izenberg, Newark Star Ledger
All quotes are reported by:
Jerry Izenberg, Newark Star Ledger
“When I walked up the tunnel &onto playing field,nobody would throw me the ball.Ithought,”What the hell am I doing here?”Joe Gordon walked by,punched me in the arm &said,”Hey rookie,u gonna warm up or are u just going to admire ur new uniform?”I had a friend for life.”
Larry Doby
Larry Doby
