The State Historical Society of Missouri
Famous Missouri Athletes
Satchel Paige (1906 – 1982)
Satchel Paige was a famous baseball pitcher who helped break down racial barriers in professional sports. His incredible speed, control, stamina, and showmanship made him a national baseball hero. Paige’s career stretched from 1924 to 1967. He pitched in the Negro Leagues before joining the major leagues in 1948. In 1971, Paige became the first player from the Negro Leagues elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kansas City, Missouri, was his home.
