I wrote this short review of “Larry Doby in Black and White: The Story of a Baseball Pioneer,” which was published in May, for the book’s Amazon page.

By Ed Odeven

Page after page, Jerry Izenberg’s meticulously researched, well-paced book on Larry Doby’s life and significance in the annals of baseball history and American history captures the reader’s attention.

Clearly, Izenberg interviewed the right people, recently and in the past, and mined the archives from past reports, books and other sources to illuminate Doby’s life, the racism that he experienced, the obstacles that he endured (before, during and after his move to the Cleveland Indians in 1947) and overcame.

The author composed the full story of Doby’s dignity, character, work ethic and why he matters. And why he shouldn’t be overlooked by anyone who seeks to understand that Brooklyn Dodgers great Jackie Robinson wasn’t the only hero integrating Major League Baseball.

Through his decades-long friendship with Larry Doby, Izenberg’s knowledge of his subject and dedication to telling this baseball great’s story the right way, with vivid examples and clarity, a singular purpose and an admiration for him, too, propel this book to great heights.