[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 20, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO LARRY DOBY

 Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Mr. Larry Doby, originally of Camden, SC, who was the first African-
American to play in the American League. Mr. Doby's contributions to 
baseball and the American cultural conscience are of ineffable 
importance. He exemplified grace under fire, showing tact, resilence, 
and dignity in the unforgiving arena of a segregated nation. In light 
of his personal qualities and his professional achievements, I ask that 
the following editorial from the Chronicle Independent be printed in 
the Record.
  The editorial follows:


                               Larry Doby

       During this 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Major 
     League Baseball, Jackie Robinson has again become a household 
     name. Perhaps now more than ever, people--and not only 
     baseball fans --are stopping to consider the true impact that 
     Mr. Robinson had, not only as a baseball player but as a 
     social pioneer. For indeed, that's what he was--a pioneer. 
     When Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey broke the color 
     line by bringing Jackie Robinson up to the big leagues, he 
     knew Mr. Robinson would face abuse. He also knew that the 
     talented player had the character and the savoir faire to 
     handle the situation.
       Somewhere lost in the shuffle has been Kershaw County's own 
     Larry Doby, who became the first black player in the American 
     League. Few people realize that Mr. Doby, who was born in 
     Camden and moved to New Jersey after the death of his father, 
     followed Mr. Robinson into the major leagues by only 11 
     weeks. As in other phases of U.S. history, we usually 
     remember the first person to do something, but those who 
     follow shortly thereafter often get forgotten. That's been 
     the case with Mr. Doby.
       He was, after all, an excellent baseball player and 
     athlete. He led the American League in home runs in 1952, and 
     during a 13-year career, most of them with the Cleveland 
     Indians, he batted .283 and made six consecutive American 
     League all-star teams. Five times in a seven-season span, he 
     drove in more than 100 runs. A player who posts those kinds 
     of statistics today receives millions of dollars a year, but 
     that wasn't the case back then. But Larry Doby was more than 
     a great baseball player; just as Mr. Robinson did, he blazed 
     a trail that made baseball at its highest level open to 
     everyone, not just white players. And in doing so, he 
     gracefully endured abuse that would be difficult to imagine 
     today.
       It is only proper that Mr. Doby is finally receiving his 
     due for his accomplishments. This year's all-star game will 
     be dedicated to him, and the Indians will honor the 50th 
     anniversary of his debut before their July 5 game against 
     Kansas City. He is now special assistant to the president of 
     the American League.
       Those who have reflected with Mr. Doby on his achievements, 
     including the sports editor of this newspaper, have been 
     impressed with his recall of the events of 50 years ago. Like 
     Jackie Robinson, he struggled through a difficult time to 
     open doors for all people.
       Baseball fans--and yes, Americans who really don't give 
     much of a hoot for the national pastime--should pay tribute 
     to Jackie Robinson this year, a man whose courage and talent 
     have made him a household name. But at the same time, let 
     those of us in Kershaw County not forget one of our own: 
     Larry Doby, a true champion in every sense of the 
     word.

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