Larry Doby was the first African American in the American League, debuting just weeks after Jackie Robinson debuted in the National League. I met Larry when he joined our club in Chicago, and Lou Boudreau, our player-manager, introduced him to all of us. He was befriended by myself, Lou Boudreau, Joe Gordon, and Bob Lemon.

Larry came up at second base and was quickly moved to center field. He became an outstanding center fielder and made many an All-Star team. Larry won a lot of ball games for the Indians with his power at the plate. He was a long-ball hitter, and I was glad to have him as a teammate. Larry still lives in New Jersey, and he is a credit to the game of baseball and to the Indians ball club.

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