Every year, MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson Day on April 15.
On that date, but in 1947, Robinson broke the color barrier in MLB when he made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
He was the first Black player in the National League.
However, for some reason, the first Black player in the American League, Larry Doby, doesn’t have a day.
He should, but in any case, the Cleveland Guardians make sure to remember his feats every year on July 5.
That was the day Doby put on a Cleveland uniform and took the field for the first time, in 1947.
“Today, as we do every year, we celebrate the anniversary of Larry Doby’s debut and the lasting legacy his courage left on the game of baseball,” the team tweeted.
Today, as we do every year, we celebrate the anniversary of Larry Doby's debut and the lasting legacy his courage left on the game of baseball. ❤️#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/Ewho81Q9K5
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 5, 2024
Doby played just 29 games that year, and took 32 at-bats.
He really didn’t do much with them, hitting .156/.182/.188.
The next year, however, Doby showed the full extent of his power and hitting skill, finishing with a .301/.384/.490 line, 14 home runs and a cool .873 OPS in 121 games.
He took Cleveland to the World Series that year and was a major factor behind the victory, to this date the last in franchise history.
Doby slashed .318/.375/.500 with a double, a home run and a .875 OPS, as Cleveland won in six games.
Doby opened the door for multiple Negro League stars from 1947 on, such as Satchel Paige, Monte Irvin, Roy Campanella, and many more.
He was a pioneer, and a true American hero.
He means the world to the Guardians, and the team always makes sure to celebrate Doby Day on July 5.
NEXT: 2 Guardians Will Start In The Upcoming All-Star Game
