Jackie Robinson’s courage, and Branch Rickey’s foresight, opened doors for many in 1946, including the amazing Satchel Paige, who came into the major leagues a couple of years later. At 42, he was past his prime, but went on to earn All-Star status several times and win a World Series with Cleveland.
But he was long retired in September 1965 when Charlie Finley of the Kansas City A’s, in a bid to boost attendance, paid Satchel an appearance fee to come and pitch three innings against the Red Sox. Sitting in the dugout in a rocking chair, team staff giving him massages, Paige did his three innings against one of the best teams in baseball.
He gave up one hit and no runs. Those are numbers any pitcher would have been glad to post.
On that day, Satchel Paige was FIFTY NINE years old…