Satchel Paige was forty-two years old in 1948 when he became the first black pitcher in the American League.
So was fast living and a humor.
Struggle-against early poverty and racial discrimination-was part of Paige\'s story.
Then he outlasted everyone by playing professional baseball, in and out of the majors, until 1965.
For twenty-two years, beginning in 1926, Paige dazzled throngs with his performance in the Negro Baseball Leagues.
Although the oldest rookie around, he was already a legend.
Satchel Paige was forty-two years old in 1948 when he became the first black pitcher in the American League