[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 10, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H5998-H6000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE LARRY DOBY CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT

  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 1861) to award a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of 
Lawrence Eugene ``Larry'' Doby in recognition of his achievements and 
contributions to American major league athletics, civil rights, and the 
Armed Forces during World War II.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 1861

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``The Larry Doby Congressional 
     Gold Medal Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds that--
       (1) Larry Doby was born in Camden, South Carolina, on 
     December 13, 1923, and moved to Paterson, New Jersey, in 
     1938, where he became a standout 4 sport athlete at Paterson 
     Eastside High School;
       (2) Larry Doby attended Long Island University on a 
     basketball scholarship before enlisting in the United States 
     Navy during World War II;
       (3) upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, 
     Larry Doby played baseball in the Negro National League for 
     the Newark Eagles;
       (4) after playing the 1946 season, Larry Doby's contract 
     was purchased by the Cleveland Indians of the American League 
     on July 3, 1947;
       (5) on July 5, 1947, Larry Doby became the first African-
     American to play in the American League;
       (6) Larry Doby played in the American League for 13 years, 
     appearing in 1,533 games and batting .283, with 253 home runs 
     and 970 runs batted in;
       (7) Larry Doby was voted to 7 All-Star teams, led the 
     American League in home runs twice, and played in 2 World 
     Series;
       (8) in 1948, Larry Doby helped lead the Cleveland Indians 
     to a World Series Championship over the Boston Braves and 
     became the first African-American player to hit a home run in 
     a World Series game;
       (9) after his stellar playing career ended, Larry Doby 
     continued to make a significant contribution to his 
     community;
       (10) Larry Doby was a pioneer in the cause of civil rights 
     and received honorary doctorate degrees from Long Island 
     University, Princeton University, and Fairfield University;
       (11) in 1978, Larry Doby became the manager of the Chicago 
     White Sox, only the second African-American manager of a 
     Major League Baseball team;
       (12) Larry Doby was the Director of Community Relations for 
     the New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association, 
     where he was deeply involved in a number of inner-city youth 
     programs; and
       (13) Larry Doby was inducted to the National Baseball Hall 
     of Fame in 1998.

[[Page H5999]]

  


     SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.

       (a) Presentation Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate 
     shall make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on 
     behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design, in 
     honor of Larry Doby and in recognition of his achievements 
     and contributions to American major league athletics, civil 
     rights, and the Armed Forces during World War II.
       (b) Design and Striking.--For the purpose of the 
     presentation referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of 
     the Treasury (referred to in this Act as the ``Secretary'') 
     shall strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and 
     inscriptions to be determined by the Secretary.
       (c) Transfer of Medal After Presentation.--Following the 
     presentation of the gold medal in honor of Larry Doby 
     pursuant to subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to 
     his son, Larry Doby, Jr.

     SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS.

       The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of 
     the gold medal struck pursuant to section 2 under such 
     regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, at a price 
     sufficient to cover the cost thereof, including labor, 
     materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses, and 
     the cost of the gold medal.

     SEC. 5. STATUS OF MEDALS.

       (a) National Medals.--The medals struck under this Act are 
     national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, 
     United States Code.
       (b) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of sections 5134 and 
     5136 of title 31, United States Code, all medals struck under 
     this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Huizenga) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Maxine 
Waters) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to 
include extraneous materials on this bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Michigan?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Renacci).
  Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge support for H.R. 1861, 
the Larry Doby Congressional Gold Medal Act.
  Over the last 2 years, my good friend and colleague, Representative 
Bill Pascrell, and I have had the privilege of sharing the 
inspirational story of Larry Doby with our friends and colleagues in 
the House of Representatives. Through those conversations, more than 
290 Members of the House agreed that Larry Doby deserved to be awarded 
the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award that Congress 
can award.
  Larry Doby's legacy is one known well to northeast Ohio and to 
Clevelanders, but it is one that is often overshadowed by the great 
Jackie Robinson. Doby himself was a pioneer in the civil rights 
movement, breaking the color barrier in professional sports, and 
becoming the first African American to play in the American League.
  As the Baseball Hall of Fame states, Doby suffered the same 
indignities as Jackie Robinson, but his struggles did not get the media 
attention Robinson received. Whether it was being forced to stay in 
separate hotels or eat in separate restaurants on the road or not being 
accepted by some of his teammates, Doby persevered. In fact, Doby broke 
the color barrier in the American League just 3 months after Jackie 
Robinson made his major league debut.
  During his professional career, he became the first African American 
to hit a home run in the World Series, helping lead the Cleveland 
Indians to the 1948 World Series championship. He appeared in seven 
all-star games and went on to become only the second African American 
to become a manager prior to being inducted into the Major League 
Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.
  Upon his number being retired by the Cleveland Indians, the great 
Hank Aaron said to Doby: ``I want to thank you for all that you went 
through, because if it had not been for you, I wouldn't have been able 
to have the career that I had.''
  In addition to that, though, his storied baseball career, Doby also 
served in the United States Navy during World War II. In fact, Larry 
Doby took time away from professional sports in order to serve his 
country, eventually being stationed in the Pacific theater. He was 
honorably discharged from the military in 1946.
  Larry Doby led a humble yet courageous life. His achievements in 
helping break the color barrier in professional sports make him worthy 
of the highest civilian award that Congress can offer.
  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1861, the Larry Doby 
Congressional Gold Medal Act. Again, I want to thank all of my 
colleagues who supported this legislation and helped make this day 
possible. I especially want to thank my great friend, Mr. Pascrell, for 
his dedication to recognizing Larry Doby with the Congressional Gold 
Medal.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of H.R. 1861, 
legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Larry 
Doby in recognition of his athletic and civil rights achievements.
  But I must say that we would not be here today but for Mr. Pascrell, 
who has been dedicated and committed to the proposition that Larry Doby 
should be recognized for his tremendous talent and for his tremendous 
contribution not only to athletics but to civil rights and other 
efforts that he was involved in.
  Larry Doby became the first African American professional baseball 
player in the American League in July 1947, 3 months after Jackie 
Robinson had become the first African American professional baseball 
player in the National League. While the name, Jackie Robinson, is 
known in almost every American household, Larry Doby did not receive 
nearly as much media attention, though he is every bit as deserving.
  Larry Doby played an integral role in breaking down the color barrier 
and in integrating the American League. Larry Doby signed with the 
Cleveland Indians in 1947, and at the time, was not even welcomed by 
his own teammates, several of whom refused to shake his hand upon 
meeting him for the first time. Outside of his own team, Doby faced 
racism and prejudice from opposing players and fans, having to endure 
racial slurs and death threats.

  Despite the adversity he faced, Doby paved the way for countless 
African American players with dignity and class. In 1948, Doby became 
one of the first African American players to win a World Series 
championship when the Indians beat the Boston Braves. In game four of 
the series, he became the first African American player to hit a home 
run in World Series history. He also helped the Indians win a franchise 
record, 111 games, and the American League pennant in 1954, and was the 
American League RBI leader and home run champion.
  After playing with the Indians, Doby had a long and successful 
baseball career playing with the Chicago White Sox, the Detroit Tigers, 
and the Dragons before retiring in 1962.
  Following his retirement, he served as a manager for various teams 
and became the second African American manager in the majors with the 
Chicago White Sox. He also served as a director with the New Jersey 
Nets in the NBA. In 1998, he was elected to the National Baseball Hall 
of Fame by the hall's Veterans Committee.
  His athletic contributions to major league baseball are, without a 
doubt, impressive and admirable, but Larry Doby's tenacity, 
determination, and his role as a pioneer in the face of tremendous 
hardship to integrate baseball are deserving of the utmost recognition 
and respect.
  I would urge all of my colleagues to join me in passing this 
legislation to recognize Larry Doby with the Congressional Gold Medal.
  And let me just say, more than anybody, I think that my colleague, 
Mr. Pascrell, must again be commended and recognized for the fact that 
he insisted that this should take place, that this gold medal should be 
presented on behalf of Larry Doby, and so it is because of him that we 
find ourselves here today.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1500

  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

[[Page H6000]]

  

  Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to 
yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Pascrell), the lead Democratic sponsor of this bill, who has been 
tireless in his efforts to bring this legislation to the floor.
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Doby, a sports 
legend, a pioneer of American civil rights, a man who proudly served 
his country, and a fellow native of the streets of my hometown, 
Paterson, New Jersey, where he was a star multisport athlete at 
Eastside High School, well known for his character.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Huizenga for the work that he did, 
tirelessly trying to get enough signatures, both last year and this 
year--a great job--and I know the brothers and sisters in Ohio are very 
proud of him.
  I thank Maxine Waters, who made it very, very possible to bring this 
to the floor today, my deepest, deepest thanks.
  Larry Doby served in the United States Navy in the Pacific during 
World War II. After an honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to New 
Jersey to pursue his career in baseball with the Newark Eagles after 
being scouted at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson. Hinchliffe Stadium is 
now in the historic district of Paterson, the same field I played on as 
a kid, which gave me the delusions of making it to the major leagues--
almost, but not quite. We were proud that Larry Doby achieved that 
greatness.
  In 1946, Larry helped the Eagles win the Negro World Series 
championship over the legendary Satchel Paige--think about that--and 
the Kansas City Monarchs. Larry Doby hit .372, with one home run, five 
RBIs, and three stolen bases in that world series.
  Many believed Larry Doby would be the first to break Major League 
Baseball's infamous color barrier, but we know what happened. On April 
15, 1947, Jackie Robinson took to the field in Ebbets Field; and on 
July 5, 1947, Larry Doby integrated the American League with the 
Cleveland Indians, 71 years ago last week.
  Being second did not make his challenge any less difficult or his 
courage any less remarkable. Larry was also treated to horrible racism. 
Even some of his teammates shunned him. Larry Doby took that abuse 
wherever he went.
  Imagine that burden. Imagine the courage it would take to stand in 
front of that every day, and yet he handled the adversity with 
bottomless strength, poise, and dignity.
  There was no interleague play back in 1947 and certainly no ESPN. 
Baseball fans from American League only areas--like northern Ohio, 
Michigan, and around Washington, D.C.--would never be able to see 
Jackie Robinson play. It was Larry Doby who integrated the American 
League parks.
  The poise and courage of Larry Doby was a source of inspiration for 
so many. I knew his family very well, as well as Larry. He knew it, 
too. Larry once said: ``I knew being accepted was going to be hard, but 
I knew I was involved in a situation that was going to bring 
opportunities to other Blacks.''
  Besides being a pioneer, Larry Doby was no slouch on the diamond. He 
played 13 years. He led the Indians to their last World Series in 1948, 
and I remind Mr. Renacci of that point. They are due. He was voted to 
seven all-star teams. When it was all done, he finished with 253 home 
runs, nearly a thousand RBIs, and a cool lifetime .283 batting average.
  Even when he was retired, Larry Doby continued to break barriers. As 
Mr. Renacci pointed out, in 1978, he became manager of the Chicago 
White Sox. He became only the second African American manager of a 
major league team.
  His play on the field might have been good enough by itself, but for 
his ability and for his courage, Larry Doby was rightly elected to the 
National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998. I made that trip to 
Cooperstown, as many folks from Ohio and many people from Paterson, New 
Jersey, did. I was filled with pride watching this product of Paterson 
ascend to the Parthenon of America's game.
  But even after he was finished in baseball, Larry Doby wasn't 
finished. He continued to make significant contributions to his 
community. He served as the director of community relations for the 
National Basketball Association's New Jersey Nets, where he was deeply 
involved with building several inner-city youth programs. This was a 
special, special person, Mr. Speaker.
  This bipartisan bill would posthumously award Larry Doby with a 
Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award bestowed by the United 
States Congress on extraordinary individuals. It is right recognition 
for Larry Doby's athletic feats, his courageous leadership, the 
opportunities he created for others, and the inspiration he gave to 
millions.
  H.R. 1861, The Larry Doby Congressional Gold Medal Act, I introduced 
with my friend Representative Jim Renacci is a big deal.
  I also thank the Senate sponsors of the companion legislation: 
Senators Rob Portman, Robert Menendez, Cory Booker, Sherrod Brown, Tim 
Scott, and Lindsey Graham.
  Since coming to Congress, I have tried to support the legacy of Larry 
Doby. We passed an act of Congress to name the post office in Paterson 
after him. We worked hard to make sure he was recognized by the United 
States Postal Service with a beautiful postage stamp.
  We are fortunate to have heroes who inspire us to achieve our best 
and lead our communities towards positive change. These are uniters in 
our community, and that is what we need more of. Today, we are proud to 
recognize Lawrence Eugene Doby as one of those heroes.
  Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional 
speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

  Mr. Speaker, what an incredible story that we see here.
  I, too, want to congratulate both Congressman Pascrell, as well as 
Congressman Renacci for their work on this.
  As I was doing a little research and hearing the stories and looking 
at Wikipedia and some other things, it led to lots of different places. 
The amazing athleticism of this man was clear--the fact that he was 17 
when he started playing baseball professionally; the fact that he 
played basketball professionally; the fact that he went on to be a 
major force in two different sports, both with the New Jersey Nets as 
well as with the White Sox as a player and as a manager--well deserved 
and, unfortunately, as has been pointed out, far too long in the 
making.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleagues for their tenacity in going 
after this. It is not easy to get 300 of your colleagues in this body 
to agree on anything. That it is Tuesday would be difficult to get them 
to agree on, much less awarding a Gold Medal. So kudos and thanks to 
those gentlemen who worked so hard.
  Again, as I said, one of the things that struck me is the camaraderie 
that it sounds like he and Jackie Robinson had--speaking on the phone 
often; being the first two members of their race to break that color 
barrier in their respective leagues--what a wonderful story that is.
  Congratulations to the Doby family and to my colleagues.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mitchell). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1861.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________