Doby, Larry

Impact on the world

Became the first Black player in the American League just three months after Jackie Robinson's National League debut, enduring the same discrimination Robinson faced with far less public recognition; he later became the second Black manager in major league history, taking over the Chicago White Sox in 1978.

Life & background

A star infielder for the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Doby returned to lead the Eagles to the 1946 Negro Leagues championship before Cleveland Indians owner Bill Veeck signed him in July 1947, making him the first Black player in the American League just three months after Jackie Robinson's debut. He endured segregated hotels and restaurants on the road and was not permitted to stay with his white teammates even during spring training, yet became a seven-time All-Star, the first Black player to hit a home run in a World Series, and the first Black player to lead either league in home runs. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 and became the second Black manager in MLB history with the Chicago White Sox in 1978.

Sources

1. Baseball Hall of Fame; This Day In Baseball