Satchel Paige

Date of Birth: July 7, 1906

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: June 8, 1982

Biography

Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige was born on July 7, 1906, in Mobile, Alabama. He was an American professional baseball pitcher whose career spanned over five decades, from the Negro leagues to Major League Baseball (MLB). Paige was known for his incredible pitching skills, charisma, and longevity in the sport. He started his professional career in the Negro leagues with teams like the Chattanooga Black Lookouts, Birmingham Black Barons, and the Kansas City Monarchs. His performance in the Negro leagues earned him widespread acclaim and a reputation as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. In 1948, at the age of 42, Satchel Paige made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the oldest rookie in MLB history. He helped the Indians win the World Series that year. Paige continued to play in the major leagues with teams like the St. Louis Browns and the Kansas City Athletics until 1965, when he made a one-game appearance at the age of 59. Paige was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971, becoming the first player from the Negro leagues to receive this honor. He passed away on June 8, 1982, in Kansas City, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer and a master of his craft.

5 Interesting Facts about Satchel Paige

1. Satchel Paige was known for naming his pitches, with his most famous pitch being called the “Hesitation Pitch.”

2. He was the first African American pitcher to play in the American League.

3. Paige claimed to have pitched in over 2,500 games and won around 2,000 of them.

4. He was known for his colorful personality and witty sayings, which made him a fan favorite.

5. Paige pitched three innings for the Kansas City Athletics in 1965 at the age of 59, making him the oldest player to appear in an MLB game.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Satchel Paige

1. “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.”

2. “Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

3. “Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching.”

4. “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?”

5. “I ain’t as fast as I used to be, but I’m better than I used to be.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Satchel Paige’s highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $250,000, which was a significant amount for a player of his era, especially considering the racial barriers he overcame.

Children

Satchel Paige had seven children: Lula Ouida Paige, Pamela Jean Paige, Linda Sue Paige, Carolyn Laverne Paige, Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige Jr., Rita Jean Paige, and Warren Robert Paige.