Black History Month Profile: Satchel Paige

Throughout baseball history, Leroy ‘Satchel’ Paige is known as the oldest rookie ever to suit up in the majors, when he was signed at the age of 42 to pitch for the Cleveland Indians in 1948. Although it is known what his actual birthdate was, he was not doubt the oldest player ever to suit up as his last game pitched was in 1965 when he threw for the Kansas City Athletics.

Before he ever donned a major league uniform, he was a long time Negro League player and is commonly known as the greatest pitcher who played in it. Known for his flamboyance and his showboating, as well as his pitching prowess, he was the most dominant pitcher in the league for 22 years. During his time in the Negro Leagues, he barnstormed the country and his legend grew little by little.

Paige got into the Majors, only much for much like the same reason Jackie Robinson did – to help a team win, not so much to advance civil rights. Cleveland Indiana owner, Bill Veeck needed an extra arm for the team, and Paige helped them towards the pennant. In addition to the Negro Leagues, he managed to pitched parts of three decades in the majors.

Quipped once about his age, Paige asserted, "Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

Skill, along with his pitching exploits, combined with his attitude made Paige a favorite in the Negro and as well, Major Leagues.

After his pitching career, he served as a coach for the Atlanta Braves in ’68 and got inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.