Wait . . . the founder and first coach of the Harlem Globetrotters was Satchel Paige’s agent? As always, the excellent writing is accompanied by compelling photos.
Good eye there, Brent! I'll reference that in Part 2 but they are one and the same. Paige was on a contract with the Globetrotters (Saperstein basically helping him out) to do advance work before the team arrived in towns and make appearances at shows to help boost the gate. Since he was on some kind of long-term deal, Saperstein got to manage Paige's other appearances to ensure his work for the Globetrotters was not majorly disrupted.
Because of this it's somewhat common to find Globetrotters programs from this time period with Satchel's autograph. First time I saw one I was completely and utterly confused.
I didn't do a full survey or anything, but it seems like autographs were a big part of the job. The other big part seems to have been giving interviews before the team came to town. These interviews seem largely to have been about Satchel and baseball, but they would always mention why he was around--because the Globetrotters were coming!
I'm really glad you did! There are no spoilers here, and your mention gave me a chance to give it a few more words here than I could fit in the piece. Step away, any time.
What an amazing pitcher, and even more so, still pitching at 60. I’m glad he lived to be elected into the HOF! Such an interesting profile; can’t wait for part 2.
Satchel sure was an interesting & talented individual. It was baseball’s loss to treat him so poorly. But I do blame Cooperstown for being such a group of closed minded ignorant bunch of clowns. I’ve never been but surely hope they’ve come out of the ‘caveman’ era of recognizing & applauding talent finally.
Satchel had a tough life as all blacks did then but I’m glad at the end of his career things changed a little to help him in retirement.
Thanks Jeff! One thing I enjoyed about Paige's story is that he never let societal injustice keep him from greatness. He would be great anywhere (and everywhere) and anybody who didn't want to enjoy it--that was their loss. But ultimately he was too talented not to break through, and even if he couldn't be the first Black player in the majors, it is fitting that he was a part of the group that finally broke through and helped open the Hall to all.
Absolutely! He & Jacky Robinson did baseball good! Both monumental to the game to say the least. What a shame they weren't recognized much sooner in their careers.
Wait . . . the founder and first coach of the Harlem Globetrotters was Satchel Paige’s agent? As always, the excellent writing is accompanied by compelling photos.
Good eye there, Brent! I'll reference that in Part 2 but they are one and the same. Paige was on a contract with the Globetrotters (Saperstein basically helping him out) to do advance work before the team arrived in towns and make appearances at shows to help boost the gate. Since he was on some kind of long-term deal, Saperstein got to manage Paige's other appearances to ensure his work for the Globetrotters was not majorly disrupted.
Because of this it's somewhat common to find Globetrotters programs from this time period with Satchel's autograph. First time I saw one I was completely and utterly confused.
I didn't do a full survey or anything, but it seems like autographs were a big part of the job. The other big part seems to have been giving interviews before the team came to town. These interviews seem largely to have been about Satchel and baseball, but they would always mention why he was around--because the Globetrotters were coming!
Ever the Showman.
Yikes! Sorry I stepped on your follow up
I'm really glad you did! There are no spoilers here, and your mention gave me a chance to give it a few more words here than I could fit in the piece. Step away, any time.
What an amazing pitcher, and even more so, still pitching at 60. I’m glad he lived to be elected into the HOF! Such an interesting profile; can’t wait for part 2.
Good story about a great player!
Satchel sure was an interesting & talented individual. It was baseball’s loss to treat him so poorly. But I do blame Cooperstown for being such a group of closed minded ignorant bunch of clowns. I’ve never been but surely hope they’ve come out of the ‘caveman’ era of recognizing & applauding talent finally.
Satchel had a tough life as all blacks did then but I’m glad at the end of his career things changed a little to help him in retirement.
Great story Paul!
Thanks Jeff! One thing I enjoyed about Paige's story is that he never let societal injustice keep him from greatness. He would be great anywhere (and everywhere) and anybody who didn't want to enjoy it--that was their loss. But ultimately he was too talented not to break through, and even if he couldn't be the first Black player in the majors, it is fitting that he was a part of the group that finally broke through and helped open the Hall to all.
Absolutely! He & Jacky Robinson did baseball good! Both monumental to the game to say the least. What a shame they weren't recognized much sooner in their careers.
Satchel Paige was one of baseball’s true characters. Great story, Paul - I look forward to part 2.