April 15 is Jackie Robinson Day - what about Larry Doby?

April 15 is JACKIE ROBINSON DAY - as celebrated by the Major League Baseball. Robinson, the first African American ball player to break the "color line" in National League Baseball in 1947.

Just ask anybody and they will recognize Robinson's name and know a fact about his life.  Often during Black History Month, students in schools will study his life as there are a wide assortment of books written.

Shown here, our Backpack Journalists last year as we celebrated the opening day celebration to honor Larry Doby, who also broke the color line in 1947 for the American Baseball Leagues, as #2 African American player.

Our local MiLb team - Charleston Riverdogs playing at the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Stadium host a Doby Deck, and at the end of the deck the above wall mural contains key accomplishments made by him during his Baseball career. Annually there is a celebration usually in June.

We study Larry Doby's life in our afterschool and summer camp.  We will miss our short film, and classroom discussions  this Spring due to being out of school, and working remotely.   Often I am asked why?

Think #2.  In the world of sports, as well as life, we are "told" getting to #1 is the goal.  We remember all those who make the gold, or score the points to make it as recognized as #1.  Not everybody can be a #1.

And, we work to assure each student, it is the journey that is so important, not just making it to #1, It  is not a sign of failure, and often a major step toward towards finding a path to a successful life.

"Never give up!" "Enjoy the journey"

So what's important here is that along came Larry Doby, only a few weeks behind Robinson. Doby known for his "prowless as an athlete", hitting the home run in 1948 that won the World Series for the Cleveland Indians, and went on to a successful career from player to team manager.

He did not give up.  He kept going.  He was a great family man. He gave back to his community. He is listed in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

So much Larry Doby did accomplish in his lifetime, and think #2.  In these days as we continue to shelter, remembering his life is reassuring.

Hopefully by June we will be back in our community, with the ability to pay our respects to Doby at the Riley Park.

In the meantime visit the MLB website for their long list of celebrations for the life of Jackie Robinson.

https://www.mlb.com/news/jackie-robinson-day-2020-complete-guide?partnerId=zh-20200415-156906-47943&query_id=1026&bt_ee=dPUE7bDbSePBwlYp24Nq5ZZZ63QoAVfBsem0vxmeGoAOujSZwvM4iFCF9wmxM%2F6q&bt_ts=1586950705329

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