New PC Announcement: Larry Doby

I'm very excited to announce that I've begun a new player collection.  Here's a list of all my current PC's:

Vida Blue

Jay Buhner

Will Clark

Bryan Clutterbuck

Chuck Finley

Marquis Grissom

Ron Kittle

Javy Lopez

Rusty Staub

Dan Wilson

New inductee: Larry Doby

1957 Topps #85

My fascination with Mr. Doby began when I deciphered his signature on my Dad’s baseball from an old timer's game. 

The guy was a naval veteran of WWII, Negro League World Series Champion, first black player in the AL (Cleveland), 7-time All-Star, first black player to win the World Series (alongside Satchel Paige), and led the league in HR twice and RBI in 1954.  The guy even played in Japan. 

1997 Ultra Indians All-Star Game (no number)

As if that wasn’t a full enough career, Mr. Doby went on to become manager of the White Sox, executive for the American League, and director for the New Jersey Nets.

1982 Cracker Jack #1

Mr. Doby is in the Indians Hall of Fame, the South Carolina Hall of Fame, the New Jersey Hall of Fame, National Baseball Hall of Fame (’98 via the Veterans’ Committee) as well as the Basketball Hall of Fame. His number 14 is retired in Cleveland.  Oh, and there’s a street there named after him.  Despite all this, he was never the household name Jackie Robinson was.

2012 Topps Tribute #36

I would opt for a nice dinner with Larry over a simple beer-getting.  He seems like a class act.

Welcome to the Collection, Mr. Doby!