RiverDogs' Annual Larry Doby Heritage Weekend Begins Tonight at The Joe
Published on June 20, 2015 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston RiverDogs will pay homage to the Negro Leagues with their annual Larry Doby Heritage Weekend beginning tonight and carrying on through Sunday afternoon at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
"Larry Doby Heritage Weekend has always been a special time and highlight during the RiverDogs season," said General Manager Dave Echols. "The tragic events of this week have brought an emphasis to the importance of community in the Lowcountry; we welcome everyone to The Joe to come together as one and celebrate the life and legacy of Larry Doby,"
Saturday's game will be highlighted by a Larry Doby Newark Eagles replica jersey giveaway sponsored by SC State & WCSC Live 5 and given to the first 1,000 fans through the gates. Pregame ceremonies will include a presentation of the Lawrence A. Holt Scholarship, the 2015 RiverDogs Humanitarian Award, and a celebration of the 1955 Cannon Street All-Star team who were refused the right to play because of racism. Kaitlyn Tucker will receive the scholarship from Gus Holt, Lawrence's father, and Reverend Theodore Radford Lewis, Jr. will be honored with the Humanitarian Award.
The RiverDogs will also be hosting a book release with "A Backpack Journalist." The group, made up of local school children, has written and published a book on Larry Doby, Mike Veeck and the Charleston RiverDogs.
Larry Doby Heritage Weekend continues on Father's Day Sunday with a special start time of 2:05 p.m. In honor of the Negro Leagues, both the RiverDogs and Asheville Tourists will wear throwback uniforms of the Homestead Grays and the Newark Eagles. Former Negro League player Clifford Layton will be on hand for a special pregame recognition and to meet fans on the concourse.
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.
These games will also be broadcast on "The Big Talker" 1250 WTMA, the radio home for RiverDogs baseball and televised on MiLB.tv. For more information or to order tickets to any RiverDogs game, please contact the Riley Park Box Office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.
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