Readers of Myles Traveled well know the important inspiration and trailblazing that Jackie Robinson and the Kansas City Monarchs provided in forming the life of a young Billy Myles in the 1940’s. Two days from now, on April 15th, all of baseball will wear “42” and celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Jackie taking the field with the Brooklyn Dodgers to break the Major League Baseball color barrier. It is a story every American should know and cherish.
Ohio has it’s own trailblazer in breaking the color barrier as well, the Cleveland Indians Larry Doby, who became the second player to break the barrier. Larry debuted with the Cleveland Indians on July 5th, nearly three months after Jackie’s historic first trip to the plate. Nicholaus Mills has an interesting article in the Plain Dealer chronicling Larry’s debut and career. For students of baseball – and American History – this one is worth a read:
