Fun Trivia : Satchel Paige

Structure Sub-topic of: MLB Players L-R Quizzes Interesting Questions, Facts and Information There are a total of 15 general entries.

Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information

Satchel Paige

The name "Satchel" was actually only a nickname for him. What was Paige's real first name?

The Great Satchel Paige


Leroy. Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige was his full name (including nickname). A story says that Paige got his nickname as a child, while holding suitcases for businessmen at a train station.



Which team did Paige make his Negro League debut with?

The Great Satchel Paige


Chattanooga Black Lookouts. It was while playing for the Lookouts, in 1926, that Paige was taught his famous "hesitation pitch" that would make him immortal.



In 1929, Satchel set the Negro League record for strikeouts in a game. How many?

The Great Satchel Paige


17. That same year, Paige also set the record (Negro League) for strikeouts in a season with 184. Because of Satchel's incredible ability, Birmingham Black Barons owner R.T. Jackson would rent him out to other teams for a day or two, and the two would profit. Satchel Paige was moved to the Barons in 1927 after starting his career with the Chattanooga Black Lookouts.



During the years 1939, '40, and '41, Satchel Paige always led his team to a Negro League American League title. Which team was he with?

The Great Satchel Paige


Kansas City Monarchs. Not only that, but the next year (1942) ol' Satch led the Monarchs to the new Negro League World Series. They won in a four game sweep over the Homestead Grays, which starred the great Josh Gibson. For those who don't know, Josh Gibson is said to be the greatest Negro League hitter of all-time, if not the greatest. It is said he hit almost 800 home runs in his career (far more than the Major League record) and his career batting average was at least .350.



In 1948, Satchel Paige finally made it to the Major Leagues, as a 42-year old rookie. With which team did Satch debut?

The Great Satchel Paige


Cleveland Indians. The owner of the Indians at the time was none other than Bill Veeck, the legendary baseball owner who had countless promotional ideas in his career. He is best known for a time when he owned the St. Louis Browns. Veeck signed Eddie Gaedel, a midget to play for his team. In 1948, Satchel went 6-1 with a 2.48 ERA which led the Indians to a World Series win that year.



In what year what Satchel Paige elected to baseball's Hall of Fame?

The Great Satchel Paige


1971. On that day in 1971, Leroy "Satchel" Paige became the second player from the Negro Leagues elected to the Hall of Fame.



How many different teams did Satchel pitch for in the Major Leagues?

The Great Satchel Paige


3. The teams were the Cleveland Indians, the St. Louis Browns, and the Kansas City Athletics. The Athletics were formerly playing in Philidelphia, but moved to Kansas City in 1954. They would later move farther West to Oakland in 1967. The St. Louis Browns would later become the Baltimore Orioles we know today.



In 1965, Satchel Paige took the mound one last time. Who was the owner of the team 'ol Satch was pitching for?

The Great Satchel Paige


Charles O. Finley. Finley, like Veeck, was well known for his promotional ideas for his team. This was Satchel Paige's last performance ever, pitching for the Kansas City Athletics. During the game he set a record, becoming the oldest man to pitch in a major league game, for Satchel was 59 years-old. Paige pitched three innings against the Boston Red Sox, allowing one hit and striking out one. The one hit was a double off the bat of Carl Yastrzemski, the great Red Sox slugger of the 1960s and 1970s.



In the Spring of 1981, Satchel Paige was made the vice-president of a triple-A team in the American Association. What was the name of the team?

The Great Satchel Paige


Spingfield Redbirds. Apparently Paige was made the vice-president in name only, so he didn't make too many decisions for the team. The Houston Express is actually a minor-league team that was bought by another great pitcher, Nolan Ryan.