Cleveland Indians History: Satchel Paige Signed to Contract

Satchel Paige was a legend in the Negro Leagues, and possibly one of the best pitchers in baseball history. On this day in 1948, the Cleveland Indians inked the star to his first major league contract.

In 1948, the Cleveland Indians found themselves in a spirited battle with the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees for the American League pennant. They were tied for first heading into July 7, and in such a close battle were looking for any possible way to help the franchise. With that in mind, team owner Bill Veeck made a shocking move, inking Negro League legend Satchel Paige to a contract.

Signed on his 42nd birthday, the move to ink Paige to a contract was mocked by the assorted scribes of the time. This was considered to be nothing more than a publicity stunt, the likes of which Veeck had been known for throughout his career. After all, this Veeck penchant for the bizarre was well known at the time.

However, Veeck and Paige would have the last laugh. Although he was not the same fireballer he was in his early days, Paige could still locate his pitches. Even more importantly, he knew how to pitch, setting up the opposition and keeping them off balance. Paige started his major league career off on the right foot, as he earned the victory as a reliever in his first appearance.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

As the Indians ended up winning the American League by a single game, Paige became an important part of the pitching staff. He ended the year with a 6-1 record, posting a 2.48 ERA and a 1.142 WHiP. In his 72.1 innings, Paige struck out 43 batters and issued just 22 walks. Although he was primarily used as a reliever, Paige also made seven starts, with three complete games and two shutouts. Although he was 42 years old, Paige was still quite the capable pitcher.

His career extended into the 1950s. After spending the 1950 campaign in the minors, Paige returned to the majors with the St. Louis Browns. He made two All Star Games, honored at 45 and 46 years old. Paige even made an appearance at 59 years old for the Kansas City Athletics, shutting out the Red Sox over his three innings of work.

Next: Myers extension troublesome for Padres

It may have seemed like a publicity stunt, but Bill Veeck knew what he was doing. On this day in 1948, he signed the great Satchel Paige, who would become a key part of the Cleveland Indians bullpen.