[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 72 (Wednesday, June 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO BASEBALL GREAT LARRY DOBY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2002

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise today to 
recognize a legend in baseball history, Larry Doby, on the occasion of 
the dedication of the Larry Doby Baseball Field in Eastside Park in 
Paterson, New Jersey.
  Larry Doby has made history as the first African American to play in 
the American League when he joined the Cleveland Indians in 1947, and 
finished his career as a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Always an 
exceptional athlete, Larry Doby grew up in Paterson, New Jersey 
participating in four Varsity sports: baseball, football, basketball, 
and track. At this poignant start to his career he was an ``All State'' 
athlete in three out of his four competitive sports, displaying his 
clear athletic ability at an early age.
  Larry Doby was an inspiring power-hitting center fielder and a key 
member of the Indian's pennant winners in 1948 and 1954. Preceding his 
breaking the color line with the Indians, Doby also starred with the 
Negro National League's Newark Eagles taking them to win the 1946 Negro 
League World Series. In later years, Doby was a nine time All-Star 
player, leading the American league twice in homers. Since the 
culmination of his baseball career, Doby has worked within his 
community, establishing a basketball league in Paterson, New Jersey for 
young people within the school system, grades six through nine.
  My first visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 was for Larry 
Doby's induction ceremony, which I was pleased to attend because of my 
great respect for him. As a youngster growing up in Newark I looked 
forward to seeing him play at Rupert Stadium from 1942-43 and 1946-47, 
in the years surrounding his military experience. His career 
exemplifies what can be done with hard work and determination, having 
risen through prejudice and poverty to becoming a world-renowned 
athlete. He serves as a role model to all young people and especially 
to those aspiring athletes in our home state of New Jersey.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues here in the United States 
House of Representatives join me today in recognizing this great 
athlete and his innumerable contributions to society and send their 
very best wishes to him for a healthy and prosperous future.

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