Satchel Paige nominated to Baseball Hall of Fame
On this day in 1971 pitcher Leroy Satchel Paige becomes the first Negro League veteran to be nominated for the Baseball Hall of Fame.In August of that year Paige a pitching legend known for his fastball showmanship and the longevity of his playing career which spanned five decades was inducted.Joe DiMaggio once called Paige the best and fastest pitcher Ive ever faced.Paige was born in Mobile Alabama most likely on July 7 1906 although the exact date remains a mystery.
He earned his nickname Satchel as a boy when he earned money carrying passengers bags at train stations.Baseball was segregated when Paige started playing baseball professionally in the 1920s so he spent most of his career pitching for Negro League teams around the United States.During the winter season he pitched for teams in the Caribbean and Central and South America.
As a barnstorming player who traveled thousands of miles each season and played for whichever team met his asking price he pitched an estimated 2500 games had 300 shut-outs and 55 no-hitters.In one month in 1935 he reportedly pitched 29 consecutive games.In 1947 Jackie Robinson broke baseballs color barrier and became the first African American to play in the Major Leagues when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers.The following year Paige also entered the majors signing with the Cleveland Indians and becoming at age 42 baseballs oldest rookie.
He helped the Indians win the pennant that year and later played for the St.Louis Browns and Kansas City As.Paige retired from the majors in 1953 but returned in 1965 to pitch three innings for the Kansas City As.He was 59 at the time making him the oldest person ever to play in the Major Leagues.
In addition to being famous for his talent and longevity Paige was also well-known for his sense of humor and colorful observations on life including Dont look back.Something might be gaining on you and Age is a question of mind over matter.If you dont mind it doesnt matter.He died June 8 1982 in Kansas City Missouri.
