Greatness in the Shadows: Larry Doby and the Integration of the American League

2016 | Biography

Breaking the color line with Jackie Robinson Just weeks after Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, LarryDoby joined Robinson in breaking the color barrier in the Major Leagueswhen he became the first black player to integrate the American League,signing with the Cleveland Indians in July 1947. Doby went on to be aseven-time All-Star center fielder who led the Indians to two pennants.In many respects Robinson and Doby were equivalent in their baseballtalent and experiences and had remarkably similar playing careers:both were World War II veterans, well-educated, well-spoken, and hadplayed spectacularly, albeit briefly, in the Negro Leagues. Like Robinson,Doby suffered brickbats, knock-down pitches, spit in his face, andother forms of abuse and discrimination. Doby was also a pioneeringmanager, becoming the second black manager after Frank Robinson.Well into the 1950s, Doby was the only African American All-Star inthe American League, during a period in which fifteen black playersbecame National League All-Stars. Why is Doby largely forgotten as acentral figure in baseball's integration? Why has he not been accordedhis rightful place in baseball history?

Greatness in the Shadows attempts to answer these questions, bringing Doby's story to life and sharinghis achievements and firsts with a new generation.

Douglas M. Branson (Author)