by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Cannaday Chapman

Larry Doby may be a little known name, but he was the first Black player in the American League, and the second in major-league baseball overall. And, the first Black athlete in Major League Baseball, to hit a home run in the World Series!

Larry Doby was born in South Carolina in 1923, during a time when racism was overt and pervasive. Although he played baseball with all kids of all colors in his neighborhood, they attended segregated schools. As he became an adult athlete, Jackie Robinson, 11 weeks ahead of him, became the first Black athlete in the major leagues. He faced terrible racism. Threats were made against him. Larry was the second Black athlete signed in. Although Larry faced racism by some of his own teammates of the Clevnland Indians team, the team owner Bill Veeck treated him without prejudice or bigotry. While traveling with the teammates, he often couldn’t stay in the same hotels or eat at the same restaurants. Then came the world series where Larry Doby hit the famous home run which propelled his team to championship. A famous picture of him (black) hugging Seve Gromek, (caucasian) was circulated and discussion ensued as these two men look gleeful and joyful in each other’s embrace. Although change has been slow, we have come a long way and continue to grow and change. To date of this publication, the Cleveland Indians have yet to rename their team.