real name Leroy Robert Paige (1906?–82), American baseball player, born in Mobile, Ala., legendary for his brilliant right-handed pitching and for the length and variety of his career. He always delighted in having fans guess his true age; his 1967 autobiography bears the title Maybe I'll Pitch Forever. Paige was famous too for his colorful observations on life, for example his maxim “Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you.”

Satchel Paige began his career with the Birmingham Black Barons in the 1920s and for two decades pitched for many clubs, mainly in the Negro leagues, throughout the U.S. As a free agent he played in Canada, and during the North American winter season with Caribbean, Central American, and South American teams. He once barnstormed 30,000 miles in a year, and in 1935 he pitched in 29 consecutive games in as many days. Among his other feats, he struck out Rogers Hornsby five times in one game.

In 1948, over 40 years old, Paige finally got his chance to play in the major leagues. That year he was signed by the Cleveland Indians and helped them win the pennant and World Series. From 1951 to 1953 he was a relief pitcher for the Saint Louis Browns and in 1952 was named to the American League All-Star team. Not until 1968 did he retire.

One of the fastest pitchers in the game, Paige was known for his “eephus ball,” a slow-breaking delivery. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.