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Satchel Paige Facts

Satchel Paige Facts
Satchel Paige was an American baseball player in both the Negro league and the Major Leagues, famous for being the oldest rookie in MLB history and for being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was born Leroy Robert Page on July 7th, 1906, in Mobile, Alabama, to John Page, a gardener and Lula Page, a domestic employee. Lula added the 'i' into their last name, making it Paige to sound classy. Satchel grew to 6'4" and began playing in the Negro Southern League of baseball in 1926. He became the oldest rookie to enter the Major Leagues in 1948, at the age of 42.
Interesting Satchel Paige Facts:
As a young man Leroy earned money as a baggage carrier at the train station and rigged up a pole that allowed him to carry more luggage at one time and increase his pay. This is where his nickname came from - when he was told that he looked like a 'walking satchel tree'.
Satchel was enrolled in reform school when he was 12 for petty crimes. At the Industrial School for Negro Children in Alabama the coach took an interest in Satchel's ability to play baseball. He taught him how to pitch, which would be his claim to fame in the Major Leagues.
When Satchel first sought a career in professional baseball African Americans were not allowed in the Major Leagues. Satchel joined the Negro Southern League in 1928.
Satchel Paige soon began to draw crowds to baseball games, for his talent as a pitcher.
Joe DiMaggio referred to Satchel Paige as 'the best and fastest pitcher I've ever faced'. This remark followed a game between the Satchel Paige All-Stars and the New York Yankees, in which Satchel pitched to DiMaggio.
Jackie Robinson, another African American baseball talent broke through the color-barrier in Major League Baseball, making it possible for Satchel Paige to try out for the Cleveland Indians.
On July 7th, 1948, on Satchel Paige's 42nd birthday, he debuted in the Major Leagues of baseball. He was the oldest player ever to debut in the league.
Satchel Paige was the first pitcher from the Negro League to break into the American League.
Satchel Paige pitched for the Cleveland Indians for one and a half seasons.
Satchel left the Indians to play for the St. Louis Browns. He pitched for the Browns for three years.
Even as he aged Satchel toured and was able to earn a lot of money for his appearances.
On September 25th, 1965, Satchel Paige became the oldest Major League player in history at the age of 59.
Satchel Paige wrote a few biographies about his life. In one he admits that he wished he had been the first African American to play in the Major Leagues.
Satchel Paige died on June 8th, 1982, at the age of 74, from a heart attack. He would have been 75 years old in less than a month.
Satchel Paige was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.
There is a statue of Satchel Paige in Cooper Park, Cooperstown, New York, and there is a school in Kansas City named after him.


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