R.I.P. Larry Doby

[JSngry]

If you don't know who he was, please find out.

[J.A.W.]

Larry Doby - NYT obit

[slsmcgrew]

Larry Doby, now that was a hero.

Thank you for sharing the NYT obit.

[chris olivarez]

Courage,heart and a hell of a ball player.

[BERIGAN]

You know, I have always understood why Jackie Robinson got so much publicity, but never have understood why Larry Doby is all but forgotten, he didn't have it any easier....rest in piece Mr. Doby.

[Dave James]

I think Doby's relative obscurity went hand in hand with the fact that he wasn't the first African American to make it to The Show. Most people tend not to remember the second of anything no matter how notable an accomplishment might otherwise be. For what it's worth, Doby may have had as tough a time in his own way as Jackie Robinson, but for entirely different reasons. First of all, the story goes that he was openly shunned by a number of his teammates. Just like Jackie Robinson. But, unlike Robinson, there was no Pee Wee Reese to help him pave the way to acceptance. BTW, if you're not familiar with the the Reese / Robinson relationship, it's one of the great humanitarian stories in sports. At any rate, Doby was pretty much on his own. Also, at the outset, he was forced to play in the infield, when he was a natural outfielder. Lastly, again unlike Robinson, he initially struggled at the plate and in the field so his value to the team and to its fans was not immediately established. As we all now know, Doby went on to enjoy a fine career, a real mainstay of those great Indian teams in the late '40's and early '50's. A truly deserving member of the Hall of Fame.

Up over and out.

[Sahara Blue Orchestra]

R.I.P. Larry

It was a fine thing that so many parks did a moment of silence before their games yesterday. A small, but meaningful gesture.