What Could Have Been?- Part 1

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Larry Doby Debuting Before Jackie Robinson

Everybody knows that Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play in the major leagues on April 15, 1947. Most people forget that Larry Doby debuted July 5 for the Cleveland Indians and became the first African-American to play in the American League. He became the first black player to hit a home run in the World Series in 1948 and finished his career with a .283 batting average, 253 home runs, and 970 runs batted in.

Jackie Robinson was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and his number was retired throughout baseball in 1997. Doby had yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at this point. Many pointed out that Doby had to suffer the same hardships Robinson went through, but nowhere the media attention and support. In The Great American Baseball Card Book, writers said that Doby being the second black baseball player was the same as "the second man to invent the telephone. Doby finally was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. When people are asked about the most influential baseball players in history, you get Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, and Babe Ruth. That list should include Larry Doby because he broke barriers too but they didn't get the attention that was so rightfully deserved.

So what could have been if Larry Doby broke into the major leagues before Jackie Robison. Would it have been Doby's number that was retired throughout baseball and would Jackie Robinson only be known as the second man?



Part 2- 1993 and 1994 Chicago Bulls With Michael Jordan
Part 3- 1994 World Series Not Canceled and the Montreal Expos

 

[klunderbunker]

It's hard to say. The thing that helped the most for baseball was that Robinson was a very patient man and on top of that a great ball player. From what I've read, Robinson was asked to not argue back for I believe two years. It's hard to comprehend a good portion of the crowd screaming racial slurs at you every day in every city on the road and likely the same at home. It's a scary thought but it's possible that every time Robinson took the field, he may have been attacked or even killed by a fan. It sounds absurd but it wouldn't have been out of the question. Robinson's personal character and mental strength did a lot to help him. As a lifelong Indians fan, I've heard quite a bit about Doby, and while he would have had an impact clearly, I'm not sure he would have done what Jackie did. Yes though, he should certainly be recognized. the thing that helps Robinson th emost though is that his stats are good enough to get him into the Hall of Fame. On his plaque, tehre's nothing about his groundbreaking. That's not something you could say about Doby, as his stats are good but not Hall of Fame worthy. It could have worked with Doby, but I don't tbhink it would have worked as well.

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

It's hard to say. The thing that helped the most for baseball was that Robinson was a very patient man and on top of that a great ball player. From what I've read, Robinson was asked to not argue back for I believe two years. It's hard to comprehend a good portion of the crowd screaming racial slurs at you every day in every city on the road and likely the same at home. It's a scary thought but it's possible that every time Robinson took the field, he may have been attacked or even killed by a fan. It sounds absurd but it wouldn't have been out of the question. Robinson's personal character and mental strength did a lot to help him. As a lifelong Indians fan, I've heard quite a bit about Doby, and while he would have had an impact clearly, I'm not sure he would have done what Jackie did. Yes though, he should certainly be recognized. the thing that helps Robinson th emost though is that his stats are good enough to get him into the Hall of Fame. On his plaque, tehre's nothing about his groundbreaking. That's not something you could say about Doby, as his stats are good but not Hall of Fame worthy. It could have worked with Doby, but I don't tbhink it would have worked as well.

I would say if they switched places and their stats were the same then Doby would have gotten into the Hall of Fame based on his achievement. Robinson did help bring a championship to the Dodgers and if Robinson would have done the same for the Indians, then he would be in as well. It's true that we can't assume Doby would have taken the same path that Jackie did but I believe he would have done enough.