Sports Then and Now

Leroy “Satchel” Paige is one of the most iconic and legendary figures in baseball history. His career spanned five decades, from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball, and his influence on the game transcended the confines of the ballpark. Known for his unparalleled skill on the mound, his charismatic personality, and his trailblazing role in the integration of baseball, Paige’s story is one of triumph, resilience, and a deep love for the game.

Early Life and Entry into Baseball

Though for many years the exact date of his birth was a mystery he liked to propel, it is now well documented that Leroy Robert Paige was born on July 7, 1906, in Mobile, Alabama. Growing up in a segregated South, Paige faced the harsh realities of racism and poverty. As a child, he earned the nickname “Satchel” after working at a train station, where he ingeniously crafted a device to carry multiple bags at once, earning extra money for his family. The nickname stuck, and soon “Satchel” Paige became known for his inventive spirit both on and off the field.

Paige discovered his love for baseball at a young age, honing his skills in local sandlots and semi-professional teams. His natural talent as a pitcher quickly became evident, and by his teenage years, he had developed a reputation as a formidable force on the mound. His unique pitching style, characterized by a high leg kick, a blazing fastball, and a variety of deceptive off-speed pitches, made him nearly unhittable.

In 1926, at the age of 20, Paige made his professional debut with the Chattanooga Black Lookouts, a Negro Southern League team. His performance was electrifying, and it wasn’t long before he caught the attention of the top Negro League teams.

Dominance in the Negro Leagues

Satchel Paige’s time in the Negro Leagues solidified his status as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Over the next two decades, Paige played for several teams, including the Birmingham Black Barons, the Pittsburgh Crawfords, and the Kansas City Monarchs. His dominance on the mound was unparalleled, and he became the biggest draw in the Negro Leagues, with fans flocking to see him pitch.

Paige’s pitching repertoire was legendary. His fastball was said to be so fast that “it looked like a pea” to hitters, and he could make the ball “hop” with a wicked late break. But it was his off-speed pitches and pinpoint control that truly set him apart. Paige was a master of deception, using his wit and baseball intelligence to outthink and outmaneuver hitters. He famously named his pitches—such as “The Bee Ball” (“it be where I want it to be”) and “The Hesitation Pitch,” which baffled batters with its unexpected timing.

Bob Feller was the best pitcher of his generation and first major leaguer to enlist following Pearl Harbor.

The baseball world lost an icon and the United States lost a hero with the passing Wednesday night of Baseball Hall of Famer Bob “Rapid Robert” Feller.

It is hard today to imagine a situation where all the top stars in the baseball world would put their careers on hold for multiple years to serve their country, but that is exactly what happened during World War II and Feller was the first in line.

When the United States entered the war following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the 23-year-old Bob Feller was without question the best pitcher in baseball.

Feller made his debut with the Cleveland Indians in 1936 and from 1939 through 1941 was nearly unbeatable. He posted a 76-33 record while leading the league in victories and strikeouts all three seasons. His best season during the stretch was in 1940 when he finished second in the American League MVP voting while posting a 27-11 record and also leading the league with a 2.61 ERA and 261 strikeouts.

Yet, after 1941, Feller wouldn’t pitch another inning in the major leagues until late in the 1945 season.

On December 8, 1941, Feller became the first Major League Baseball player to join the war effort as he enlisted in the Navy and volunteered for combat service. Amazingly, it was 69 years to the date of his enlistment that he was placed in hospice care and he passed away one week later.

While in the Navy he reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer and served as a Gun Captain on the USS Alabama. Feller was decorated with five campaign ribbons and eight battle stars. Read the rest of this entry →

Bob Feller enlisted in the Navy the day after Pearl Harbor and missed nearly four full baseball seasons.

(Editor’s Note: In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, Sports Then and Now is re-running this article that reflects on the personal sacrifices made by some of the great stars of baseball. May we always remember and appreciate the sacrifices that so many have made to keep our country free.)

The names Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio and Bob Feller conjure up images of greatness on the baseball diamond, but a lack of overwhelming career statistics often hurts these superstars when the discussion turns to the greatest players in baseball history. What is generally forgotten is that all three missed significant time in the prime of their careers while defending our country.

Read the rest of this entry →

Bob Feller enlisted in the Navy the day after Pearl Harbor and missed nearly four full baseball seasons.

The names Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio and Bob Feller conjure up images of greatness on the baseball diamond, but a lack of overwhelming career statistics often hurts these superstars when the discussion turns to the greatest players in baseball history. What is generally forgotten is that all three missed significant time in the prime of their careers while defending our country.

Read the rest of this entry →