A Bit About Satchel Paige, His Life and Quotes

Leroy Robert Satchel Page was the Oldest Pitcher in the Major League Baseball

robritt, Yahoo! Contributor Network
May 26, 2008 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige, born in Mobile, Alabama in approximately in 1906 died in Kansas City, Missouri in 1982. Joe Dimagio called him one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. He belonged to over 250 teams in his career and pitched many exhibition games against the great names in baseball. As an African-American baseball player, he was not able to play for the white teams back then, but at the age of 62 he did put on 62, he wore the Atlanta Braves for the 158 days so that he could qualify for a pension with the Major leagues. A darn shame, as he did so much for baseball he should have qualified anyway.

He was also know for his wit, wisdom, personality and sense of humor. His six rules on "how to stay young" included: 1. "Avoid fried meats which angry up the blood. 2. "If your stomach disputes you, lie down and pacify it with cool thoughts. 3. "Keep the juices flowing by jangling around gently as you move. 4. "Go very light on the vices, such as carrying on in society. The social ramble ain't restful. 5. "Avoid running at all times. 6. "Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you."

He gained the name of 'satchel' when he and his friend used to go to the Railroad station where the two of them carried bags for the passengers who would pay them. When asked about his age he seldom answered but one of his best answers was "Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Apparently it didn't phase him at all.

At the age of close to 59 he was the oldest player in the Major leagues, which he finally managed to get into in 1948 when the Cleveland Indian hired him. The story behind this hiring is amazing and a story in itself. He was the first of the old Negro Leagues stars to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.

My personal favorite of all his quote is this one listed below:

Ain't no man can avoid being born average, but there ain't no man got to be common.
By 'Satchel' Paige

Published by robritt

A polio survivor, that tries to swim twice a week, lives with a fatal disease called Aplastic anemia, however believe we all need to live life to the fullest; no matter your age or condition. An author of t... View profile

A Bit About Satchel Paige, His Life and Quotes

Leroy Robert Satchel Page was the Oldest Pitcher in the Major League Baseball

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