SJR118

A Joint Resolution designating July 5 of each year as Larry Doby Day.

Whereas, Lawrence “Larry” Eugene Doby was a pioneer in the desegregation of professional American sports when he became the first African American baseball player in the American League for the Cleveland Indians on July 5, 1947; and

Whereas, Mr. Doby, began his career as an extraordinary athlete in basketball, baseball, football, and track at Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey; and

Whereas, At 17 years of age Mr. Doby joined the Negro National League where he was an all-star second baseman for the Newark Eagles, halting only for military service with the United States Navy during the Second World War, and returning to lead the team to win the Negro League World Series in 1946; and

Whereas, After joining the Cleveland Indians, Mr. Doby had a long streak of player accomplishments that include being named to seven All-Star Games, winning two American League home run titles, and shares the distinction of being the first African American to win a Major League World Series along with Satchel Paige; and

Whereas, Mr. Doby went on to be the second African American manager in Major League Baseball history in 1978 with his appointment to the Chicago White Sox; and

Whereas, After retiring from baseball Mr. Doby returned to New Jersey to raise his family in Montclair, advance urban youth involvement in sports, and served in community relations for the National Basketball Association’s New Jersey Nets; and

Whereas, Mr. Doby has been recognized by colleagues, managers, and fans as one of the greatest baseball players, and for demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship despite numerous societal indignities; and

Whereas, In 1998, Larry Doby was selected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame; and

Whereas, In 2018, Mr. Doby was posthumously honored by Congress with a Gold Medal for his significant contributions to the advancement of civil rights, commitment to community, and service to the nation at time of war; and

Whereas, In 2019, the City of Paterson formally recognized the contributions of Mr. Doby with the commemoration of a day in his honor; and

Whereas, 2022 will see the completion of the Hinchliffe Stadium renovation in Paterson, home of the Negro Leagues where Mr. Doby began his career, and marks the 75th anniversary of Mr. Doby entering Major League Baseball; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. July 5 of each year is designated as “Larry Doby Day” in recognition of the exceptional life and career of Major League Baseball player and manager, Larry Doby.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing July 5 of each year as “Larry Doby Day” in New Jersey.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution commemorates July 5 of each year as Larry Doby Day in New Jersey.

Lawrence “Larry” Eugene Doby was an extraordinary high school athlete from Paterson, New Jersey who went on to become a pioneer in the desegregation of professional baseball. He quickly broke records being named to seven All-Star Games, winning two American League home run titles, and in 1948 joined Satchel Paige in being the first African American to win a Major League World Series. He became only the second African American manager in Major League Baseball with his appointment in 1978.

Larry Doby was more than just an outstanding ball player: Mr. Doby was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during World War II, a steward of New Jersey’s urban youth, and an example of dignity and grace in the face of adversity until his passing in 2003.

Mr. Doby has been recognized by Congress with a Gold Medal for significant contributions to civil rights and wartime service. The City of Paterson has recognized Mr. Doby by commemorating a day in his honor. As 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of Mr. Doby breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball and the completion of the renovation of his Negro Leagues playing field, it is fitting New Jersey commemorates Larry Doby with a day in his honor.