Leroy "Satchel" Paige

Posted October 14, 2007, 8:19 am by Growing Bolder


Leroy "Satchel" Paige
Born: July 7, 1906
Died: June 8, 1982

A right-handed pitcher and legendary storyteller, Leroy "Satchel" Paige was a star in the Negro Leagues and considered one of the greatest baseball players of all-time. In 1948, he was sold to Cleveland on his 42nd birthday, becoming the oldest player in history to make his major league debut.
"He was the best and fastest pitcher I've ever faced," said Hall of Famer Joe Dimaggio.

At age 60 (1965), he threw three innings for Kansas City, becoming the oldest player to ever pitch in the major leagues. Ever the showman, Paige sat in a rocking chair in the bullpen while a nurse rubbed liniment on his arm. Then, he walked out and threw three scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox, allowing only one hit -- a double by Carl Yastrzemski.

At age 63 (1969), he made his final appearance in a major-league uniform as a coach for the Atlanta Braves.

After the Age of Seventy

• From age 70-75, Paige served as an unofficial ambassador for basball and, specifically, the contributions of Negro League players. 

• At age 75 (1981),  Paige was made vice president of the Triple-A Springfield Redbirds of the American Association, but this was in title only.

In 1999, Paige ranked Number 19 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players of all-time.

On July 28, 2006, a statue of Satchel Paige was unveiled in Cooper Park, Cooperstown, New York commemorating the contributions of the Negro Leagues to baseball.

• "Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."
• "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was?"
• "Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's
•      watching."
• "Ain't no man can avoid being born average, but there ain't no man got to be common."

© 2006-2009. Growing Bolder Media Group. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.