Doby Leads Four Into Hall Of Fame

March 3, 1998 / 3:34 PM EST / AP

Larry Doby, heralded for more than a half-century as the first black player in the American League, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame today along with former AL president Lee MacPhail and two others.

Also chosen by the Veterans Committee were Negro leagues pitcher
"Bullet" Joe Rogan and turn-of-the-century shortstop"Gorgeous" George Davis.

MacPhail joins his late father, Larry, as the only father-and-son combination in the Hall.

Left out in today's vote were former manager Dick Williams, Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski and former commissioner Bowie Kuhn.

MacPhail was general manager of the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles. He became AL president in 1974 and served until 1983. His father was president of the Yankees and Dodgers. His son, Andy, is now president of the Chicago Cubs.

Doby played four seasons in the Negro leagues before joining the Cleveland Indians in 1947, only weeks after Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier.

Doby was in the majors until 1959, hitting 253 home runs with 969 RBIs while batting .283. He won two AL homer titles. In 1978, Doby managed the Chicago White Sox for more than a half-season.

Rogan, who died in 1967, pitched and played infield and outfield for the Kansas City Monarchs from 1920 to 1938. He had a 113-45 record as a pitcher and a .343 lifetime batting average.

Davis, who died in 1940, led the National League with 134 RBIs for the New York Giants of 1897. He played for four teams during 20 seasons - including the 1906 Chicago White Sox World Series team - compiling a .295 career average.

The 14-member veterans panel, which includes Ted Williams, Stan Musial and Yogi Berra, could elect up to four people. The committee could pick one each from four categories - former major leaguers, Negro leaguers, 19th century players and a composite category of managers, Negro leaguers, executives and umpires.

It takes 75 percent - 11 votes - for election. Last year, the committee selected Tom Lasorda, Nellie Fox and Willie Wells.

In January, the Baseball Writers Association of America elected pitcher Don Sutton.

According to the voting procedures of Veterans Committee, a candidate such as Doby can be considered for his"overall contributions."

At age 73, and in declining health, Doby has long been praised for his work to promote the game on all levels.

"Few have done more for the game," said AL president Gene Budig, who appointed Doby his special assistant shortly after taking office."He has contributed so much, both on and off the field."