Speaker Johnson, Congressional Leaders Honor Larry Doby with Congressional Gold Medal

December 13, 2023

For Immediate Release

Contact: Taylor Haulsee

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Speaker Johnson joined Congressional Leadership and Members of Congress to honor Major League Baseball player, civil rights activist, and World War II veteran Lawrence Eugene “Larry” Doby in a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony.

Larry Doby, who passed away in 2003, was the second black player to suit up in a Major League Baseball game, and the first Black baseball player in the American League. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on what would have been his 100th birthday. His son, Larry Doby, Jr.  accepted the Medal on his father’s behalf.

Below are Speaker Johnson’s remarks as prepared: 

This has been a beautiful ceremony – and a testament to Larry Doby’s profound impact on professional athletics, race relations, civil rights, and American history.

As the second African American player to play in Major League Baseball, and the first in the American league, Larry Doby was a pioneer in the push to desegregate America’s pastime.

He faced many of the unspeakable atrocities that his predecessor Jackie Robinson faced – he often sat and ate apart from his teammates, opposing players levied racial epithets and spit tobacco at him, and team owners and managers initially refused to share the field with him.

Like many young athletes though, Larry just wanted to play ball.

American popular culture and history remembers Jackie Robinson for being first. And today we’re ensuring America also remembers Larry’s contributions to sport and society.

If Jackie Robinson broke down the color barrier, then Larry Doby cleared the wreckage, and in doing so, charted a path for black athletes that you can draw a direct line to today.

The order in which they reformed the sport is insignificant; what matters is that they did.

Up until Larry took the field for the Indians in 1947, the existence of black athletes in professional sports was regarded as an experiment. His ascent to the Major League was affirmation that they not only belonged but made the game better.

The cascading effect of his introduction to professional athletics cannot be understated.

By the end of the summer of 1947, three more black players made their MLB debut. Four years later, 20 players had suited up for MLB teams, and all professional teams were integrated before he retired from baseball in 1959.

Independent of his efforts to desegregate professional baseball – Larry was a darn good ball player. Good enough to warrant admission to Cooperstown, baseball’s hall of fame.

Over his 13-year career, he hit .288, led the league in homeruns twice, was named to 7 consecutive all-star teams, and alongside Satchel Paige, was the first African American player to win a World Series ring.

He was a “ball-player’s ball player.” Larry played first base, second base, shortstop, and every position in the outfield. Even after his body began to break down following two decades of professional baseball and US military service – Larry kept playing.

For his incomparable contributions to sport and society, the United States Mint has struck a specific gold medal in Larry Doby’s honor.

And on behalf of the US Congress and the American people, it is my honor and privilege now to deliver this medal to Larry’s family.

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