Page "Larry Doby" Paragraph 21

Doby became an important piece of Cleveland's World Series victory against the Boston Braves.

In Game 4 on October 9, Doby became the first black player to hit a home run in World Series history when he hit one off the Braves ' Johnny Sain.

A picture featuring an embrace between Doby and white teammate Steve Gromek, who pitched a complete game in Game 4, was on the cover of the next day's Plain Dealer.

The photo has been called " a signature moment in the integration of Major League Baseball.

" Of the picture, Doby said, " The picture was more rewarding and happy for me than actually hitting the home run.

The picture finally showed a moment of a man showing his feelings for me.

" The Indians defeated the Braves in six games and with it, Cleveland had its first World Series championship since the 1920 season.

Doby's. 318 batting average during the Series led the Indians.

Nationally-syndicated columnist Grantland Rice argued that Doby and Gene Bearden, the Indians would have finished in fourth or fifth place.

Doby, along with other teammates, appeared in the 1949 film The Kid From Cleveland.

After the Series, Doby received a celebratory parade in Paterson, New Jersey.

With additional income available due to the post-season run and Series championship, Doby and his wife attempted to buy a home in Paterson in an all-white neighborhood but were kept out when members in the community revealed a petition.

The Dobys were allowed to purchase their desired home when the Paterson city mayor intervened on their behalf.