Congresswoman Brown Statement on Larry Doby Receiving Congressional Gold Medal

Washington, DC – Wednesday, Larry Doby was posthumously honored with the Congressional Gold Medal in the United States Capitol. Doby was the first Black American to play in the American League, breaking the color barrier with the Cleveland Indians in July of 1947, three months after Jackie Robinson made his April debut in the National League. The ceremony took place on what would have been his 100^th birthday.

Doby played nine seasons in Cleveland, made seven All-Star teams, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.

“Larry Doby changed baseball and changed America. In 1947, along with Jackie Robinson in the National League, he showed that our national pastime should be integrated, a key step in the civil rights movement. Larry Doby exemplified Black excellence while enduring abuse with grace and resolve.

“Growing up Black in Cleveland, I’ve always been tremendously proud of our connection to Larry Doby. Although long overdue this high national honor is clearly well-deserved. May acknowledgment of Larry Doby’s impact on American life remind us in Congress of our responsibility to keep working for equality, liberty, and justice for all,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.