Leroy "Satchel" Paige
by Julia Reece
Brief Biography of Satchel Paige
Satchel Paige was born July 7, 1906, in Mobile, Alabama. His birth name was Leroy Page, but his parents decided to change Page to Paige. Leroy Paige got his name, because he would carry people satchels for 10ยข a bag on a pole across his shoulders. Leroy started playing in the Negro Leagues after he was sent to reform school for stealing costume jewelry. For 5 1/2 years, he was at the Industrial School for Negro Children in Mount Meigs, Alabama. Paige was 6' 3" when he left reform school.
Leroy Paige played on many baseball teams before he retired. Paige played with 15 teams total. Some of the teams include the Kansas City Monarchs, Indianapolis Clowns, and the New York Black Yankees. Leroy has many famous quotes. The most famous is "Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you." Another is "Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!" Paige was a great pitcher and would have the entire team sit down on the field, and he would strike out three batters in a row. He also created some pitches on his own. Some were the trouble ball, Long Tom, and the hesitation pitch, which became illegal.
Impact on History
Kansas City Monarchs
Negro Leagues
Pitching
Movie Questions
How did the movie describe his fastball?