The greatest Negro League pitcher – and some would say the greatest pitcher of any league – is the 48th inductee into the Hall of Immortals.
Satchel Paige was the stuff of legends, some of them crafted by Paige himself. It is said he pitched in 2,500+ games during his career, winning more than 2,000. The numbers sound impossible (4 times as many wins as Cy Young), until you realize Paige would pitch year-round, summers in the Negro Leagues, and the rest of the year in Mexico or the Carribean. He was also known at times to start both ends of a double-header.
Paige was also the consumate showman, often calling his team in off the field and tehn striking out the side.
Paige was 41 (or so) when he made his debut in the Major Leagues in 1948 for Cleveland. He only played 6 years in the majors, his last appearance coming in 1965 at the age of 58 (or so).
No one can argue that Satchel Paige is an Immortal
For some background on what this is, check out the introduction post here.
