Cool article about Paige and Doby
 

Cool NYT article about Veeck signing Paige and Doby breaking the AL color barrier and then winning the WS

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/24/sp...e-iphone-share

Larry Doby and Satchel Paige were the first black players to be part of a major league championship.

Great story, thanks for sharing.

2 cards I'll likely never get rid of, unless I decide to upgrade.

Really enjoyed reading that - thanks, A.J.. Excerpt: "Veeck wrote in his autobiography, “Veeck as in Wreck,” that when he signed Doby, “we received 20,000 letters, most of them in violent and sometimes obscene protest. Over a period of time, I answered all.”Larry Doby Jr. said that his father, who died in 2003, did not dwell on those who protested his presence with the Indians.
“He said he never got booed in Cleveland,” the younger Doby said in an interview. Initially, he was skeptical of his father’s claim, but “when I got over the shock of hearing it, I realized it was true. It was a special place for him and my family, and whenever we’d go back, I’d see how he was greeted when he wasn’t playing.”
....Imagine the owner of a major league sports franchise taking a year to write response letters to 20,000 bigots, probably all of whom were amazed to receive his attention.

Doby lived for many years (and passed away a few years ago) in my town. Very modest suburban street. Less than a mile from me. Friends lived across the street from him. His son Larry Doby Jr. still lives there I believe. Still kicking myself that I never met him. Could have easily lined up a meeting.

"Satchel Paige could have been the greatest pitcher in major league history, if he'd been given the chance. Don't look back, America, something might be gaining on you."
--Brendan C. Boyd and Fred C. Harris

http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...Lipset%201.jpg

Thank you for sharing this article. It is great. Two of my favorite Indians and baseball players overall.

There is a moment that I'll never forget, merely watching a documentary on Larry Doby. It was Mudcat Grant, talking about Doby's influence and mentorship to Grant when he first came up, and Grant was moved to tears, he was so appreciative of Doby's support and grace. Doby had the same issues that Robinson had, and in several cities he was the only AA player that Major League Baseball had (Detroit, Washington, Cleveland), so he was the integrator in those cities.

Thanks for posting this article.

I was fortunate to see Paige and Doby play in the late 1940's - 1950's. They were great ....especially watching Paige with his double-windup delivery.


http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...xdobypaige.jpg



TED Z
.

Love those pics Ted! Thanks for sharing!

-Raymond