MLB Urged to Recognize Larry Doby's Pioneering Legacy

Despite integrating the American League in 1947, MLB has not established a league-wide day to honor the Hall of Famer

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Larry Doby broke the color barrier in the American League just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson did so in the National League, yet MLB has not established a league-wide day to honor Doby's pioneering legacy. Unlike Robinson, who had the support of Dodgers executive Branch Rickey, Doby had no institutional support or preparation when he joined the Cleveland Indians in 1947. He faced racist treatment from teammates and opponents, unable to stay in the same hotels or eat at the same restaurants as his white teammates. Despite these obstacles, Doby went on to have a Hall of Fame career, leading the Indians to a World Series title in 1948. Advocates argue MLB should establish a "Larry Doby Day" to properly recognize his historic contributions to the game.

Why it matters

Doby's integration of the American League came just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier, but he faced far less institutional support and preparation. While Robinson found allies in the Dodgers clubhouse, Doby was largely shunned by his Cleveland Indians teammates. Establishing a league-wide day to honor Doby would help recognize his pioneering role and the unique challenges he overcame as the first Black player in the AL.

The details

Doby joined the Indians in 1947 straight from the Negro Leagues, with no time to adjust to the major leagues or prepare for the racism he would face. Unlike Robinson, who spent 1946 in the minors getting ready, Doby was "completely alone" as the first Black player in the AL. His white teammates often refused to room with him, sit next to him, or even shake his hand. Doby also faced segregation on the road, barred from staying in the same hotels and eating at the same restaurants as his teammates. Despite these obstacles, Doby went on to a Hall of Fame career, helping the Indians win the 1948 World Series.

  • Doby integrated the American League in 1947, just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League.
  • In 1948, Doby hit .301 and helped lead the Cleveland Indians to the World Series, where he hit .318 and became the first Black player to hit a home run in a World Series game.
  • From 1949 to 1955, Doby was named an All-Star seven consecutive times, leading the American League in home runs in 1952 and 1954, and in RBIs in 1954.
  • Doby was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.
  • Doby was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2023.

The players

Larry Doby

The first Black player in the American League, who integrated the Cleveland Indians in 1947 and went on to a Hall of Fame career, helping the team win the 1948 World Series.

Jackie Robinson

The first Black player in Major League Baseball, who broke the color barrier in the National League in 1947 with the support of Dodgers executive Branch Rickey.

Branch Rickey

The Dodgers executive who spent years planning the integration of baseball and provided institutional support and mentorship to Jackie Robinson.

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What they’re saying

“Jackie had it better in one way. When he went to spring training in 1946, he had a whole year to get adjusted. I came up in the middle of the season. I was 23 years old, and I had to perform immediately.”

— Larry Doby (Covering the Corner)

“Nobody showed me the ropes. There was nobody to talk to, nobody to explain what to expect. I was completely alone.”

— Larry Doby (Covering the Corner)

“Some of the players turned their backs on me, wouldn't shake my hand. It was a very lonely feeling. Even when you're on the field, you're alone.”

— Larry Doby (Covering the Corner)

“There were some players who wouldn't room with me, who wouldn't sit next to me on the bus or in the dugout. I had to overcome that, and it was difficult.”

— Larry Doby (Covering the Corner)

“I couldn't eat with my teammates. I couldn't stay in the same hotels. I'd have to go find a black family to stay with, or stay in a completely different hotel across town. And then the next day, I was expected to play like nothing was wrong.”

— Larry Doby (Covering the Corner)

What’s next

The Cleveland Guardians have already established an annual "Doby Day" to honor his legacy, and advocates are now calling on MLB to create a league-wide "Larry Doby Day" to properly recognize his pioneering contributions to the game.

The takeaway

Despite facing immense racism and a lack of institutional support compared to Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby went on to a Hall of Fame career and helped the Cleveland Indians win the 1948 World Series. His legacy as the first Black player in the American League deserves greater recognition from MLB, which has so far only honored him with a minor league award despite his historic achievements.