Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige (July 7, 1906 – June 8, 1982)
On February 9, 1971, pitcher Leroy “Satchel” Paige became the
first Negro League veteran to be nominated for the Baseball
Hall of Fame.
In August of that year, Paige, a pitching legend known for his
fastball, showmanship and the longevity of his playing career,
which spanned five decades, was inducted. Joe DiMaggio (‘’the
Yankee Clipper”) once called Paige “the best and fastest pitcher
I’ve ever faced.”
Joseph Paul DiMaggio (1914 – 1999)