2. Satchel Paige
It is difficult to separate myth and reality when it comes to Satchel Paige. An incredible self promoter, he spun tales and legends to generate an aura of mystery and wonder about him. His performance backed up all of his boasts.
Joe DiMaggio called Paige the best pitcher he ever faced, and it is understandable to see why. A hard thrower in his prime, he threw virtually every pitch from every possible arm angle. He was considered to have one of the best fastballs in baseball history, equaled only by Smokey Joe Williams in the Negro Leagues.
Yet, for his incredible velocity, Paige’s greatest asset may have been his command. He could throw any pitch he had at any moment, from any angle, and spot it anywhere he wanted. Even as he aged, his impressive pitching knowledge and varied arsenal made him a formidable foe on the mound.
Paige even found his way to the majors, signing as a 41 year old with the Cleveland Indians. Considered a promotional stunt at the time, Paige proved to be a useful swingman, switching between the rotation and the bullpen. He would later become a two time All Star with the St. Louis Browns as a reliever, the oldest player to make his first All Star Game. His final major league appearance came at 58 years old, when he started against the Boston Red Sox in 1965. In that outing for the Kansas City Athletics, he allowed just one hit in three innings, striking out a batter.
Reality and legend collided when it came to Satchel Paige. Considering how he is thought to have won nearly 600 games in his career, his reality was legendary in its own right.