Here is an interesting fact. We all know that Doby is famous as the "second man" not only for being the second to break the color barrier as a player but also as a manager (each time beaten by a guy named Robinson). But there is an overlooked third major accomplishment that he also came in second at.
In 1962 he and Don Newcombe became the first Major leaguers to play for NPB teams in Japan (the pro league there). They both played for the Chunichi Dragons in Nagoya (where, coincidentally, I now live). Newcombe made his debut on June 23 that year. Doby made his on.....June 30th! So he missed being the first MLBer to play in Japan by a week too!
If there was ever an award for "Most lifetime achievements of being a close second at major things" then he would win it hands down.
Last edited by seanofjapan; 05-07-2018 at 02:10 AM.
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