SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 50

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED JUNE 16, 1997

By Senators KOSCO and GIRGENTI

A Joint Resolution designating that portion of New Jersey Highway Route 120 which runs through the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford Borough, Bergen County as the "Larry Doby Highway."

Whereas, It is the 50th anniversary of the year Larry Doby broke the American League color line and became the first African-American to play in the American League; and

Whereas, Larry Doby attended Paterson Eastside High School in Passaic County and was a three-sport star, receiving all-star mention for his performance on the football team, and was offered a college scholarship for basketball in addition to playing baseball; and

Whereas, Larry Doby started his career with the Newark Eagles in the "Negro League" before joining the Cleveland Indians in mid-season 1947 and becoming the first African-American to play in the American League, and during an eleven-year career in that league he played with the Indians, the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox; and

Whereas, Larry Doby had an outstanding career as a power hitter leading the Cleveland Indians to a World Series championship in 1948 and a second World Series appearance in 1954, leading the league in home runs in 1952 and 1954 and driving in 100 or more runs five times, and was a seven-time All-Star player, playing in six consecutive All-Star games; and

Whereas, In addition to his distinguished career as a major league player, Larry Doby served as a coach with the Cleveland Indians and Montreal Expos, and as Manager of the Chicago White Sox, and is currently a special assistant to the American League President; and

Whereas, In addition to his outstanding sports career, Larry Doby deserves special recognition for his commitment to youngsters and his service to Project Pride, a volunteer organization serving Newark's youngsters and college-bound high school seniors; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper that the State of New Jersey recognize Larry Doby, the first African-American to play in the American League, by designating that portion of New Jersey Highway Route 120 which runs through the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford Borough, Bergen County as the "Larry Doby Highway;" now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. That section of the New Jersey Highway Route 120 which runs through the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford Borough, Bergen County is hereby designated as the "Larry Doby Highway."

    2. The Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to erect appropriate signs bearing that name.

    3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

    This joint resolution designates that portion of New Jersey Highway Route 120 which runs through the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford Borough, Bergen County as the "Larry Doby Highway." The bill authorizes the Commissioner of Transportation to erect appropriate signs bearing that name.

Designates segment of New Jersey Highway Route 120 in East Rutherford Borough, Bergen County as "Larry Doby Highway."