Frank Lautenberg: “I rise to join with my friend and colleague, Senator Bob Torricelli, in introducing a bill to name a U.S. post office in…”

“I rise to join with my friend and colleague, Senator Bob Torricelli, in introducing a bill to name a U.S. post office in my hometown of Paterson, NJ after a true American hero, Larry Eugene Doby. Mr. President, 1997 marks the 50th anniversary of the breaking of major league baseball's color barrier. In April 1947, Jackie Robinson played his first game with the National League's Brooklyn Dodgers and ended segregation in our national pastime; simultaneously, he entered America's pantheon of heroes. While we rightfully honor Mr. Robinson, we cannot forget that heroes rarely fight their battles alone. Larry Doby is one of those heroes. Only 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson first graced a major league diamond, Larry Doby of Paterson, NJ took the field with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first African-American player in the American League. Once on the team, he brought an ability and level of consistency to the game that few could match. He was the first African-American player to hit a home run in the world series, and he was named to six straight American League all-star teams. During his 13 year career, he attained a .283 lifetime batting average and hit 253 home runs. Mr. President, the day Larry Doby first took the field was definitely a great day for baseball enthusiasts. Millions of fans were able to enjoy the excitement he brought to the plate and the skill he brought to the field. But it was also a great day for every American.”