SAL1 Charleston RiverDogs

Larry Doby Book to be Released at the Joe

Published on June 15, 2015 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, SC - Having researched and studied Larry Doby - one of South Carolina's legends - a book on the American League's first black baseball player will be released on June 20 as part of the Charleston RiverDogs' home baseball game against the Asheville Tourists. First pitch is slated for 6:05 pm.

The book was written to honor Doby, who was born in Camden, along with the RiverDogs and its president, Mike Veeck. It was a result of A Backpack Journalist's extended-day third and fourth grade classroom studies at Sanders-Clyde Creative Arts School, Charleston Promise Neighborhood, three 21st Century extended-day students at Burke Middle School and the Downtown Community Education.

"The RiverDogs are proud to be a part of this worthy endeavor," said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. "It compasses the efforts of young, local children who see - as we do - the many contributions to baseball and life in America that Larry Doby gave."

The 20-page book that is 9"x12" shows Doby's positive impact he made on major league baseball in the 1940s and, more importantly, on race relations that continue today. The Charleston RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees, honors annually Doby's life and contributions, and the book will be released from June 20-22 at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, as the RiverDogs host Asheville. The scholars who took part in the project will be on hand to sell autographed copies of the book.

"The scholars and students were involved totally in the drafting, writing and publishing of this book, including the photography," said Linda Dennis, the program manager. "We had an editorial committee, worked from index cards and spent time brainstorming on the FAQ's that appear in the book.

"By the close of this lesson, the scholars were totally engaged with Larry Doby and his accomplishments and contributions," she continued. "A Backpack Journalist oversaw the final editing and fact checking, and online layout and design via a printing-on-demand publisher."

Doby, the first African-American to play in the American League (Jackie Robinson was the first in the National League), was part of the Cleveland Indians World Series-winning team in 1948. Doby was credited with helping break baseball's color line, and he did so by simply loving to play the game of baseball with incredible and proficient skill. Doby was often called the "Big Man" and was respected for his family life and his dedication to sharing his love of baseball with youth. He was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.

Doby was first drafted by Bill Veeck in 1947, only three months following Jackie Robinson. Mike Veeck, Bill's son, continues to serve as the long-time president of the RiverDogs and was raised with Doby and his family.

As a tribute to Doby, the RiverDogs have retired his jersey No. 14 and that is reflected on the outfield wall.

"We were fortunate to interview Mike in his Riley Park office, and to also have access to the movie 'Pride against Prejudice: The Story about Larry Doby,' a Showtime movie. The scholars learned first-hand many unknown facts about him," Dennis continued.

The book may be purchased at The Joe on June 20-22, and through http://www.abackpackjournalist.com/baseball-the-riverdogs-and-the-life-of-larry-doby/#sthash.tt7f29bx.dpuf.

The publication includes a lesson plan for use in the classroom (social studies, multiple grade levels), two free RiverDog game tickets and QR codes that take the reader to various websites. A percent of the net sales will be donated to Sanders-Clyde Creative Arts School.

Larry Doby with youngsters Tim & Donnie Bossard in Tucson, Ariz.

Check out the Charleston RiverDogs Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 15, 2015


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