Helmar “This Great Game” Card #41 – Larry Doby

This Helmar “This Great Game” card honors Larry Doby, one of baseball’s true pioneers and a player whose quiet courage transformed the game as profoundly as his skill on the field. Shown in the crisp white and navy of the Cleveland Indians, Doby is depicted mid-swing, his expression steady and determined. The vibrant colors of the grandstand and diamond echo the era’s optimism, capturing the dawn of a new age in America’s pastime.

Larry Doby, born in Camden, South Carolina, in 1923, broke the American League’s color barrier on July 5, 1947—just eleven weeks after Jackie Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Joining the Cleveland Indians, he endured racism and isolation with stoic dignity, letting his bat speak for him. Over a 13-year Major League career, Doby hit .283 with 253 home runs and 970 RBIs, earning seven All-Star selections and helping lead Cleveland to its 1948 World Series championship—the franchise’s last title for decades.

Before joining the majors, Doby had already proven himself in the Negro Leagues as a star with the Newark Eagles, where he played alongside legends like Monte Irvin. His transition to the big leagues demanded not only talent but immense personal strength. Doby paved the way for future generations of Black players in the American League, opening doors that had been closed for more than half a century.

Doby later became the second Black manager in Major League history, continuing his trailblazing path both on and off the field. His quiet determination and unwavering professionalism made him a symbol of perseverance and integrity.

Helmar’s “This Great Game” series captures the essence of players who shaped baseball’s history. Card No. 41 celebrates Larry Doby—a man who broke barriers and built bridges through his grace, talent, and unyielding resolve.

Original gouache painting by Sanjay Verma.