Satchel Paige - Hardest-working pitcher ever?

Jackie Robinson made history in April of 1947, when he became the first African American player in the Major Leagues. The following year, Satchel Paige became the first African American pitcher in the American League when Bill Veeck signed him to the Cleveland Indians. He joined Larry Doby, who equaled Robinson's feat in the American League. At 42 years young, Paige was the oldest rookie to ever debut in baseball, at an age when most players were already retired. Many thought the promotion-happy Veeck was pulling a stunt, but he defended Paige, saying he should have been pitching in the Majors long ago. Record crowds came out to see him, and for good reason. Satchel won 6 games against just 1 loss that year, with an earned run average of 2.48, and pitched in one game of the World Series, with the Indians defeating the Boston Braves.

After spending 1949 with the Indians, Paige was not back in the Majors until 1951, when he joined the St. Louis Browns, now owned by Bill Veeck. Satchel mostly pitched out of the bullpen during the three years he spent in St. Louis. After 1953, he continued barnstorming and pitching in the minor leagues. He even joined Veeck for a third time in Florida during the 50's.

In 1965, Paige was signed by the Kansas City Athletics, and pitched three innings of one game. He was now the oldest man ever to play in a Major League game, reportedly 59 at this time. He sat in a rocking chair in the bullpen, with a nurse serving him coffee. Maybe it was a publicity stunt. I have also read that Satchel was three innings short of qualifying for the Majors' pension. Regardless, Paige showed he still had it, recording one strikeout and allowing one hit. He finished his big league career with 28 wins, 31 losses and 32 saves, with a 3.29 earned run average and 288 strikeouts in 179 games. He never committed an error, and was twice an All-Star with the Browns.