MONTCLAIR, N.J., June 18 (UPI) -- Larry Doby, who broke the color barrier in the American League in 1947, died at his home Wednesday.
He was 79.
Doby, who was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1998, was one of the premier power-hitting outfielders of his time and a key contributor to Cleveland Indians' pennant-winning teams in 1948 and '54.
A star with the Newark Eagles of the Negro Leagues before joining the Indians, Doby made the American League All-Star team seven times, led the AL in homers twice, and had his No. 14 retired by the Indians in 1994.
"We are extremely saddened by the passing of Larry Doby," the team said in a statement. "He was a great and honorable man and did a tremendous amount for the game of baseball and the Cleveland Indians organization."
In a 13-year major league career, Doby hit .283 with 253 home runs and 970 RBI in 1,533 games.
