Larry Doby

Center Fielder

Class of 1998

Larry Doby

Center Fielder

Class of 1998
Larry Doby was the first African-American to play in the American League.

Games

Birth year

About Larry Doby

Perhaps no one is more remembered for being second than Larry Doby.

He was the second African-American to play in the National League or American League – but the first in the AL – in the modern era after Jackie Robinson. He was the second Black manager of an AL or NL club after Frank Robinson.

He may have been second in those two regards, but Larry Doby was so much more.

The Basics

Year inducted
1998
Birth Place
Camden, South Carolina
Birth Year
1923
Died
2003, Montclair New Jersey

Career at a Glance

Primary Team
Cleveland Indians
Primary Position
Center Fielder
Played For
Newark Eagles, 1942-1944
Newark Eagles, 1946-1947
Cleveland Indians, 1947-1955
Chicago White Sox, 1956-1957
Cleveland Indians, 1958
Detroit Tigers, 1959
Chicago White Sox, 1959

Career MLB Stats

Games
1,674
At bats
5,883
Hits
1,697
Walks
945
Runs
1,080
Doubles
276
Triples
72
Home Runs
273
RBI
1,099
Stolen Bases
64
Batting Average
.288
Ops
.888
On Base %
.389
Slugging %
.499

Larry Doby Stories

Explore the archives and go deep into the lives, careers, and stories of the Hall of Fame's honorees.

Twenty-five years ago, big league pioneer Larry Doby received his Hall of Fame plaque

Doby's pioneering path earned Hall of Fame plaque

Doby blazed trails on, off field

Doby made history with Indians

Doby deal ends short Orioles career for future Hall of Famer