Just weeks after Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers; Larry Doby joined Robinson in breaking the color barrier in the major leagues when he became the first black player to integrate the American League; signing with the Cleveland Indians in July 1947. Doby went on to be a seven-time All-Star center fielder who led the Indians to two pennants. In many respects Robinson and Doby were equals in their baseball talent and experiences and had remarkably similar playing careers: both were well-educated; well-spoken World War II veterans and both had played spectacularly; albeit briefly; in the Negro Leagues. Like Robinson; Doby suffered brickbats; knock-down pitches; spit in his face; and other forms of abuse and discrimination. Doby was also a pioneering manager; becoming the second black manager after Frank Robinson. Well into the 1950s Doby was the only African American All-Star in the American League during a period in which fifteen black players became National League All-Stars. Why is Doby largely forgotten as a central figure in baseball’s integration? Why has he not been accorded his rightful place in baseball history? Greatness in the Shadows attempts to answer these questions; bringing Doby’s story to life and sharing his achievements and firsts with a new generation.
#487104 in Books LeRoy R Hafen 1982-06-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .86 x 5.51l; 1.02 #File Name: 0803272103401 pagesMountain Men and Fur Traders of the Far West Eighteen Biographical Sketches
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