Who was Satchel Paige? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Leroy Robert Paige

Died At Age: 75

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Janet Howard, Lahoma Jean Brown

father: John Coleman

mother: Lula

siblings: Wilson

children: Carolyn Lahoma, Linda Sue, Lula Ouida, Pamela Jean, Rita Jean, Robert LeRoy

Born Country: United States

African American Men African American Baseball Players

Died on: June 8, 1982

place of death: Kansas City, Missouri, United States

U.S. State: Alabama

Cause of Death: Heart Attack

City: Mobile, Alabama

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1

What was Satchel Paige's pitching style and approach?

Satchel Paige was known for his unorthodox pitching style, which included a unique delivery with a hesitation and a variety of pitches such as fastballs, curveballs, and change-ups. He was also known for his impeccable control and ability to outsmart batters.
2

How did Satchel Paige break barriers in professional baseball?

Satchel Paige broke barriers in professional baseball by becoming one of the first African American players in the Major Leagues, as well as the first African American pitcher to play in the World Series. He paved the way for future generations of Black athletes in baseball.
3

What impact did Satchel Paige have on the Negro Leagues and baseball history?

Satchel Paige had a significant impact on the Negro Leagues and baseball history by showcasing the talent and skill of Black players during a time of segregation. His success and charisma helped bring attention to the Negro Leagues and eventually led to the integration of Major League Baseball.
4

How did Satchel Paige maintain his longevity and success in professional baseball?

Satchel Paige maintained his longevity and success in professional baseball by taking care of his body, staying in top physical condition, and continually adapting his pitching style to stay ahead of batters. His work ethic and dedication to the game allowed him to pitch competitively well into his 40s and 50s.
5

What were some of the challenges Satchel Paige faced during his baseball career?

Satchel Paige faced challenges such as racial discrimination, limited opportunities for Black players in professional baseball, and the constant pressure to prove himself as a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and became one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.

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Childhood & Early Life

Leroy Robert Page, who later became Leroy Robert Satchel Paige, was born on July 7, 1906, at Mobile, Alabama. He was the seventh of the twelve children born to John Page and Lula Coleman Page.

The family lived in poverty, a fact which he mentioned in his biography, ‘Maybe I'll Pitch Forever’ where he had mentioned, ‘We played in the dirt because we didn’t have toys. We threw rocks. There wasn’t anything else to throw.’

To lend monetary support to his family, Satchel Paige did a number of odd jobs like selling the empty bottles he picked up and as a porter at the Mobile’s Louisville & Nashville’s railway station.

He skipped his classes to play baseball and to fish in Mobile Bay.

Satchel Paige's�pitching skills were chiseled by Edward Byrd while he was under a five year-detention period in the Industrial School for Juvenile Negro Lawbreakers on charges of stealing toy rings from a store. He came out of the school in 1923, six months before the end of his term.

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Career

After coming out from the reform school, Satchel Paige started his career as a pitcher for ‘Mobile Tigers’, a semi-professional Negro League, in 1924 and helped his team win thirty games with only one loss.

In 1926, Satchel Paige joined ‘Chattanooga Black Lookouts’, where he played for two seasons. During this period, he became a crowd-puller with his stupendous performance that earned him a high ranking in the Negro League.

From 1926 to 1947, Satchel Paige played for a number of teams, including ‘Kansas City Monarchs’, ‘Birmingham Black Barons’, ‘New York Black Yankees’, ‘Cleveland Cubs’, ‘Memphis Red Sox’ and ‘Baltimore Black Sox’ and was rewarded handsomely.

Along with other payers, he went for barnstorming and traveled as much as 30,000 miles per year. Despite the racial discrimination that was predominant at the time, his fast and accurate pitching skills wom him a number of white American fans.

The year 1948 marked a grand beginning with his entry into major leagues when Bill Veeck signed him to play for ‘Cleveland Indians’. At the age of 42, Satchel Paige made a record as the oldest rookie to debut in the American League.

In the 1948 World Series, his pitching skill helped the ‘Cleveland Indians’ win the series. After completing the three-month contract with Cleveland Indians, he played for St. Louis Browns for the next three years.

Paige played his last game in the organized baseball in 1966, when he pitched for the Carolina League's Peninsula Grays against Greensboro Patriots.

In 1968, Satchel Paige joined Atlanta Braves as a pitching coach to qualify for the Major League Baseball pension.

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Awards & Achievements

In 1948, when he made his debut appearance in the World Series for Cleveland Indians, he made a record as the oldest rookie to play for major leagues.

In the years 1952 and 1953, he was named to Major League Baseball’s All-Star Team for the American League.

He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971. He was the first African-American to achieve this honor.

Personal Life & Legacy

He married his long-time sweet heart, Janet Howard in October 26, 1934.

He became attracted to Lucy “Luz” Maria Figueroa and married her in 1940. Their marriage became legal only after he was legally separated from his first wife in 1943.

Later, he married his girlfriend Lahoma Brown around 1947. The couple had seven children.

He passed away due to a heart attack in Kansas City, Missouri at the age of 76. He is buried in Forest Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.

In his memory, an elementary school in Kansas is named “Satchel Paige Elementary School.”

His statue was unveiled in Cooper Park, Cooperstown, New York in July 28, 2006, as a tribute to all African-American Negro Leagues that contributed to baseball.

Facts About Satchel Paige

Satchel Paige was known for his unique windup on the pitcher's mound, which included various tricks and antics to distract batters.

Despite his advanced age, Paige continued to pitch professionally well into his 50s, showcasing his enduring talent and passion for the game.

Paige was a natural showman and often entertained crowds with his charismatic personality and sense of humor both on and off the field.

Off the field, Paige was a skilled storyteller and was known for his colorful anecdotes and wisdom about life and baseball.

Paige was a trailblazer for African American athletes, breaking barriers in professional baseball and paving the way for future generations of players.

Satchel Paige Biography

You wanted to know

What was Satchel Paige's pitching style and approach?

How did Satchel Paige break barriers in professional baseball?

What impact did Satchel Paige have on the Negro Leagues and baseball history?

How did Satchel Paige maintain his longevity and success in professional baseball?

What were some of the challenges Satchel Paige faced during his baseball career?