Our Team by Luke Epplin

8 out of 10

In 1947, Larry Doby was signed by Cleveland Indians' owner, Bill Veeck.  The following year, Satchel Paige was added to the pitching rotation, and the Tribe won the World Series!

In the early 1940s, many ballplayers (black and white) served as soldiers in World War II.  During the upheaval and continuing into peacetime, numerous exhibition games were held in the Caribbean, Mexico, or Anytown, USA.  Bob Feller, Cleveland's ace, had a business that did "barnstorming tours".  In a common showcase, the Major League's top players would play baseball against Negro League all-stars.  Integration came with difficulties, but it was ultimately beneficial.

Congrats to the '48 Champs.