Remembering Larry Doby – And The Monday Links

In celebration of Black History Month we wanted to take some time out to remember the late great Larry Doby. Larry was the first African American to play in the American League and made his debut with the Cleveland Indians on July 5th 1947 just three months after Jackie Robinson’s historic first game with the Dodgers at Ebbets Field. Larry did not get off to the great start Jackie Robinson did and played in only 29 games in his first year. Because of this fact Doby is often overlooked in terms of public perception. But Like Jackie , despite all the hate and racism, Larry went onto have a brilliant career which in turn helped pave the way for the future stars of yesterday and today. Lets take a look at some of Doby’s accomplishments during his hall of fame career.

7-time All-Star
World Series champion with 1948 Indians
First player to go from the Negro Leagues straight to the Majors
First black player to hit a home run in the World Series
Hit .283 with 253 home runs and 970 RBI in 13 Major League seasons
First player to win championships in the Negro Leagues & Majors
First black player to win a home run title in the Majors
First black player to win an RBI title in the American League
Elected to the Hall Of Fame in 1998
Led the AL in home runs twice as a Center Fielder
Posted five 100 RBI Seasons
Appointed manager of the White Sox in 1978, at the time was the second African-American to manage a Major League club

And many more… Please join me in saying thanks Larry!

Onto the Monday Halo Links: