The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1959-05-08
"Sutch" Won Fame
Despite Late Start

ORGANIZED baseball IOSL one Oh LIS mUSL COlOIIul
players recently when Leroy Paige, better known as
'''Satchel' or just plain "Satch,' was given his release
by the Miami Martins.
In marked contrast TO the acres" Of space given
TO the sgeless Negro in the newspapers during his
major league career, the story Of his release occupied
only q small niche in these same papers.
During his career in organized baseball, he de-
lighted countless fans as only or Satch could.
His camel-like gait painted smiles on the fans as
he strolled out to the mound. Once on the hill" he
armed singer started firing the ball across the plate,
he showed he was a good hurler as well as a natural
bowman.
He was good despite his years. He was about Al
mo one knows for sure) when he got started in the ma
jors. At that age, most players are hanging up their
spikes.
Because he was good and provided color and
laughs to boot, his mound appearances always attract
ed large crowds.
In fact, the Miami Martins manager proved how
TO lose friends and not influence people on one oe-
ession when he failed to start Safch against the jets
after announcing him as q starter. During the game
at JET Stadium, occasional cries Of I'VE want Safch"
could be heard from disgrvntled fans.
Although humor was a trademark of Satch, the
reason he didn't get an earlier start in organized base
ball isn't quite so humorous. The reason, In a nutshell,
was that he was a Negro.
1t wasn't until 1947, when Jackie Robinson began
playing with the Brooklyn Dodgers, that the color
barrier was smashed down in organized baseball.
The next season some 20 years too late
Satch made the big time. Another Snowman Bill
Week - gave Satch a contract in 1913 and Paige
promptly returned the favor by turning in a 61 rec
ord for the Cleveland Indians although he didn't start
until mid-season. His earned run average that season
was a mighty good Eat.
That year las all Indian fans we'll know, cIeve-
land won its first American League pennant in 20
years. As a result, or Saeh managed to get into .
World Series game, even though II was only in relief.
He retired the two Boston Brave batters who faced
him. 2
When Veeck went to the st. Louis Browns, he
took Satch along with him. Paige stayed. with the
Browns through the 1858 season. The next year, he be-
gan befuddling Triple A players with his pitching
guile.
Although it's only an opinion, many believe that
If Satch had gotten his start in the major leagues In
would have won 400 games. This Is a remarkable
tribute since only two pitchers reached that total
Cy Young and Walter Johnson.
Paige began his baseball career in 1920 when
he played semi-pro ball with Chattanooga. He played
his first professional game three years later with the
Birmingham Giants.
At That time, he possessed q tremendous fest ball
which aided him In averaging Ia sirikeoUfs a game.
And about that time, some IS years before Don Lar
sen and Bob TUrlsy Of the Yankees, Paige abandoned
The windvp.
When his fast one left him, Satchel developed
a bag of tricks which fooled batters time and again
and provided hilarity for the spectators.
Despite his late start in the motors, Satch was SO
impressive that he'll long be remembered by the fans.
Just because he's been released from organized
baseball ranks, and just because he's past so years
old, Satchel isn't going to abandon the diamond sport.
No sir. He will 60 transforming this summer with the
Havana Cuban Stars. It's difficult to disagree that OF
Satch is truly a remarkable figure-lvF