H5P Project: Analysis of a Primary Source

Sophia Warner

Sourcing

What

This is an image from the second game of the 1948 Major League Baseball World Series, sourced from the Cleveland Press newspaper, archived in the Michael Schwartz Library at Cleveland State University. It shows Larry Doby, Cleveland Indians baseball player, sliding into second base on a double, as three opposing infielders and an umpire watch the play.

When

This image was taken during game two of the 1948 World Series (October 7th, 1948). It was published in Cleveland Press shortly after (no date available from source).

Where

The game was played at Boston Field in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, the site is occupied by Nickerson Field, the baseball stadium for Boston University.

Who (Creator)

The creator is not credited (and possibly unknown) by the Michael Schwartz Library. The photo was donated as part of the Cleveland Press Collection by Joseph E. Cole, who owned the newspaper from 1980 to its closure in 1982. He was also part-owner of the Cleveland Indians in the mid-twentieth century.

Contextualization

Larry Doby: Cleveland Indians baseball player from 1947 to 1955, and in 1958. He was the first African American to play in the Major League Baseball American League, and the second African American player in the Majors, following Jackie Robinson. He was the Center Fielder for the Indians during the 1948 World Series, helping to lead them to their second-ever World Series title.

The Boston Braves: The longest-running and oldest franchise in Major League Baseball. The Braves played in Boston until the early 1950s, transferred to Milwaukee, then settled in Atlanta in 1966, where they remain today.

1948 MLB World Series: The 47th World Series. The Cleveland Indians won the series, winning four of the first six games. This was their second MLB title; the Cleveland franchise has not won such a title since, though they competed in the 2016 World Series.

Corroboration

Additional Sources

Research into this source or related events would best begin with searches regarding Larry Doby’s career, the history of the Cleveland baseball franchise, or general baseball history. The National Baseball Hall of Fame, located in Cooperstown, New York, may provide insight regarding specific influential players and team histories.

Those interested in learning more about Larry Doby may visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame website to read his profile.

Those interested in learning more about the 1948 Major League Baseball World Series may read the recap, published on the MLB website.

Bibliography

Baseball Almanac. “Cleveland Indians vs Boston Braves October 7, 1948 Box Score.” Accessed October 13, 2022. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=194810070BS7

Major League Baseball. “1948 World Series Recap.” September 27, 2022. https://www.mlb.com/news/1948-world-series-recap

Major League Baseball. “Story of the Braves.” Accessed October 13, 2022. https://www.mlb.com/braves/history/story-of-the-braves

National Baseball Hall of Fame. “Larry Doby.” Accessed October 13, 2022. https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/doby-larry#:~:text=Doby%20was%20elected%20to%20the,he%20was%20a%20great%20ballplayer.