A seven-time All Star, Doby was the first African American to play in the American League. He joined the Cleveland Indians in 1947 shortly after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League. Known as a man of quiet dignity and courage who endured isolation, discrimination, and countless indignities, Doby helped pave the way for racial progress in America’s national pastime.

Larry Doby was born in Camden, South Carolina, and raised there mainly by his maternal grandmother while his mother made a living as a domestic worker in Paterson, NJ. He eventually joined his mother in Paterson and attended Eastside High School, where he earned 11 varsity letters in several different sports.

Doby began his professional baseball career with the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he returned to the Eagles in 1946 to help them defeat the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro World Series championship. The following year Cleveland Indians owner Bill Veeck purchased his contract at midseason and brought him to the majors.

After a stellar playing career, Doby coached the Montreal Expos, the Cleveland Indians, and the Chicago White Sox. In 1998 he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame and the United States Government passed Public Law 105–162 dedicating the Main Post Office at 194 Ward Street in Paterson NJ to the former resident. Doby died of cancer June 18, 2003, in Montclair, New Jersey.