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Paige, Satchel

Leroy Robert Paige
Born: July 7, 1906, Mobile, Alabama
Died: June 8, 1982, Kansas City, Missouri
Bats: 
Right
Throws: 
Right
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Negro Leagues Committee: 1971
Biography: 

Leroy Satchel Paige was a legendary storyteller and one of the most entertaining pitchers in baseball history. A tall, lanky fireballer, he was arguably the Negro leagues' hardest thrower, most colorful character and greatest gate attraction. In the 1930s, the well-traveled pitcher barnstormed around the continent, baffling hitters with creatively named pitches such as the Bat Dodger and Hesitation Pitch. In 1948, he was sold to Cleveland on his 42nd birthday, becoming the oldest player to make his Major League debut while helping the Indians win the pennant.

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Induction Speech

 

Did You Know: 
that on Aug. 20, 1948, a 42-year-old Satchel Paige pitched the Indians to a 1-0 victory over the White Sox in front of 78,382 fans, a night-game attendance record that still stands?
He made his living by throwing the ball to a spot over the plate the size of a matchbook.
Cool Papa Bell