Larry Doby never got the attention and adulation Jackie Robinson did, though he endured many of the same strains when in 1948 he became the first black player in the AL with the Indians. His grace and excellence under pressure guided him to the HOF but the quiet and unassuming Doby rarely found himself in the spotlight. Thus, this splendid cardboard advertising piece for Coca-Cola with a smiling Doby holding up a Coke bottle, circa late ‘40s-early ‘50s, is a rarity indeed, and shows that at least one high-profile advertiser recognized his engaging personality would be a plus in an ad, even in an age of racial discrimination. Doby’s full color visage is nearly surrounded by a red “C” with “Drink Coca-Cola in Bottles” at the upper left in white and “Larry Doby, All-Star outfielder of the Cleveland Indians” in yellow mid-left. Piece is approx. 12 x 14” and has the stand still affixed on the back. A great curio and an important milestone in racial progress.