Leroy “Satchel” Paige

Among the his many feats, Leroy “Satchel” Paige was responsible for the initial success of the National Baseball Congress World Series.  

The NBC World Series was started in 1935.  Promoter Hap Dumont convinced Wichita City officials to build a new ballpark by promising them a national semiprofessional tournament.

Dumont offered Paige $1000, which he did not have, to bring his Bismarck (ND) Corwin Churchill team to Wichita.  With Paige as its main attraction, the tournament was a success.  Paige’s integrated team, which included Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame member Chet Brewer, won the tournament.  Paige got his $1000 and Dumont started a tradition that continues in Wichita.

By 1935, Paige was a well-established Negro Leagues and barnstorming star.  He began pitching professionally for the Chattanooga Lookouts in 1926 and pitched in the Negro Leagues through 1947.  He pitched for many teams, including the Kansas City Monarchs in 1935 and 1940-47.

In 1948, Paige became the oldest rookie to play in the majors when he made his debut with Cleveland at the age of 42.  He pitched in the 1952 and 1953 All-Star Games and retired at age 47 following the 1953 season.

Paige continued to pitch exhibitions and semi-pro ball.  He came to Wichita with the Salina Blue Jays for the 1960 NBC State Tourney Salina Blue Jays and pitched for the Wichita Weller Indians in the NBC World Series the same year.

The exploits of Satchel Paige are legend.  Some estimate that he pitched more professional games than anyone in history.

In his autobiography, Maybe I’ll Pitch Forever, Paige offered his six rules for staying young that famously included, “And don’t look back – something might be gaining on you.”

In 1971, Paige became the first Negro Leagues player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.  He died in 1982 and is buried in Kansas City.

For more, read Satchel Paige’s Society for American Baseball Research bio.