life:
LIFE legend Leroy “Satchel” Paige was born 112 years ago today on July 7, 1906 in Mobile, Alabama. Known as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, he had a long career as a professional baseball player starting in 1926 with the Chattanooga Black Lookouts and became the oldest rookie at the age of 42 when he joined the Cleveland Indians. LIFE featured his entrance to the Majors in the July 26, 1948 issue and ran this image (among others) with the following caption: “Paige loves rest and after a workout likes to flop and watch his teammates drill, extending his mighty feet that helped earn him his nickname. As a free-lance pitcher Paige made about $30,000 a season.” (George Silk—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images) #LIFElegends #Baseball #SatchelPaige #MLB