This image features Leroy “Satchel” Paige (left) and Larry Doby of the Cleveland Indians, former Negro leagues stars and future Hall of Famers. In 1947, Doby became the first African-American player in American League history. Paige joined Cleveland in 1948, and that year both players helped the Indians win the championship. Outfielder Doby batted .301, and Paige compiled a 6-1 record.
- This photograph is a faithful reproduction of an image from the permanent collection of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Photograph measures 8" x 10", with matting total measurement is 11" x 14"
- Archival quality photo paper
- Acid free matting
Leroy “Satchel” Paige was one of the most entertaining pitchers in baseball history. A tall, lanky fireballer, he was arguably the hardest thrower in the Negro leagues, as well as one of its greatest gate attractions. James “Cool Papa” Bell once declared, “He made his living by throwing the ball to a spot over the plate the size of a matchbook.” In the 1930s, Paige barnstormed around the continent, baffling hitters with creatively named pitches like the “Bat Dodger” and “Hesitation Pitch.” In 1948, on his 42nd birthday, Paige’s contract was sold to the Cleveland Indians, making him the oldest player to debut in the major leagues.
“I knew being accepted was going to be hard, but I knew I was involved in a situation that was going to bring opportunities to other blacks,” said Larry Doby, the first African-American in the American League. Doby broke the junior circuit’s color barrier just weeks after Jackie Robinson when he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1947, after starring for the Negro National League’s Newark Eagles alongside future Hall of Famer Monte Irvin. A power-hitting centerfielder and a key member of Cleveland’s 1948 and 1954 pennant winners, Doby twice led the A.L. in home runs and was a seven-time All-Star in 13 major league seasons.
This image features Leroy “Satchel” Paige (left) and Larry Doby of the Cleveland Indians, former Negro leagues stars and future Hall of Famers. In 1947, Doby became the first African-American player in American League history. Paige joined Cleveland in 1948, and that year both players helped the Indians win the championship. Outfielder Doby batted .301, and Paige compiled a 6-1 record.
- This photograph is a faithful reproduction of an image from the permanent collection of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Photograph measures 8" x 10", with matting total measurement is 11" x 14"
- Archival quality photo paper
- Acid free matting
Leroy “Satchel” Paige was one of the most entertaining pitchers in baseball history. A tall, lanky fireballer, he was arguably the hardest thrower in the Negro leagues, as well as one of its greatest gate attractions. James “Cool Papa” Bell once declared, “He made his living by throwing the ball to a spot over the plate the size of a matchbook.” In the 1930s, Paige barnstormed around the continent, baffling hitters with creatively named pitches like the “Bat Dodger” and “Hesitation Pitch.” In 1948, on his 42nd birthday, Paige’s contract was sold to the Cleveland Indians, making him the oldest player to debut in the major leagues.
“I knew being accepted was going to be hard, but I knew I was involved in a situation that was going to bring opportunities to other blacks,” said Larry Doby, the first African-American in the American League. Doby broke the junior circuit’s color barrier just weeks after Jackie Robinson when he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1947, after starring for the Negro National League’s Newark Eagles alongside future Hall of Famer Monte Irvin. A power-hitting centerfielder and a key member of Cleveland’s 1948 and 1954 pennant winners, Doby twice led the A.L. in home runs and was a seven-time All-Star in 13 major league seasons.
