without doubt, Sachel Paige was one of the greatest pitchers in the game's history. Listen to this interview on NPR http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=122627581&m=122635100 and you (like me) will want to own the book "Satchel: The Story of an American Baseball Legend."
That looks like Tiger Stadium in the cover photo.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it? To my knowledge, Tiger Stadium was the only centerfield upper deck in those days.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I've always loved Satchel Paige and I've always loved that particular photo of him — now it all makes sense. I'm not very far into the book, but I enjoy Tye's writing. Paige was a facinating guy. I wrote to him before his death in 1982 and he sent me an autographed business card that included "Satchel's Rules for Staying Young":
ReplyDelete1. "Avoid fried meats which angry up the blood."
2. "If your stomach disputes you, lie down and pacify it with cool thoughts."
3. "Keep the juices flowing by jangling around gently as you move."
4. "Go very light on the vices, such as carrying on in society — the social ramble ain't restful."
5. "Avoid running at all times."
6. "And don't look back — something might be gaining on you."
Tiger Stadium was also the only stadium that had upper and lower deck bleachers. Nowadays I notice people will refer to any cheap or distant seats as bleachers, even if they are chair-type seats, but to me bleachers will always be bench seats w/ no backs.
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