Sports | Paterson (1923-2003)

Larry Doby grew up in New Jersey and became the pride of Paterson. A star high school athlete, Larry joined the Newark Eagles in the Negro Leagues at only 17. After two years of military service during World War II, he signed with the Cleveland Indians just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers. As the American League’s first black player, Larry Doby endured bigotry and prejudice with class, becoming a seven-time All-Star, leading the Indians to a World Series title and finishing second MVP second black manager in the Major Leagues. Widely respected as a talented athlete and manger, he had a profound influence on the game and was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998. Today’s induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame shines as a well deserved spotlight on a role model for the ages: Larry Doby.