SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
No. 118
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
220th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 16, 2023
Sponsored by:
Senator NELLIE POU
District 35 (Bergen and Passaic)
Senator M. TERESA RUIZ
District 29 (Essex)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senator Corrado
SYNOPSIS
Designates July 5 of each year as Larry Doby Day.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As reported by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee on June 12, 2023, with amendments.
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, 1[2022 will see] 2023 saw1 the completion of the Hinchliffe Stadium renovation in Paterson, home of the Negro Leagues where Mr. Doby began his career, and marks the 1[75th] 76th1 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.