Net54baseball.com Forums

Net54baseball.com Forums (http://www.net54baseball.com/index.php)
-   Net54baseball Sports (Primarily) Vintage Memorabilia Forum incl. Game Used (http://www.net54baseball.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5)
-   -   March Pick-Ups (http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=148295)

ruth-gehrig 03-01-2012 02:36 AM

March Pick-Ups
 
2 Attachment(s)
I've never seen this Sardine baseball box before but thought it was pretty neat.

mjkm90 03-01-2012 03:34 AM

New Figural Piece
 
I'm very happy to have added this figural I've been after for years. It was manufactured in the 20s and 30s and is often found on trophy bases by the Wilson Sporting goods company. It's a heavy bronze piece that is 12 1/2" tall and weighs over 5 lbs. I've always appreciated these figurals for their size combined with fine detail and overall execution by the artist. Many call it the "Walter Johnson trophy". This pitcher does resemble Johnson, but that may be wishful thinking. I acquired it via a B.I.N. on ebay that I couldn't pass up ;)

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...0/IMG_2284.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...0/IMG_2287.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...0/IMG_2285.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...0/IMG_2286.jpg

CarltonHendricks 03-01-2012 03:38 AM

Nice
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by ruth-gehrig (Post 971695)
I've never seen this Sardine baseball box before but thought it was pretty neat.

Nice P/U...nice way to start the month...Seems like I may have seen one before...nevertheless very rare I'd say.

CarltonHendricks 03-01-2012 04:00 AM

Congrats!!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mjkm90 (Post 971699)
I'm very happy to have added this figural I've been after for years. It was manufactured in the 20s and 30s and is often found on trophy bases by the Wilson Sporting goods company. It's a heavy bronze piece that is 12 1/2" tall and weighs over 5 lbs. I've always appreciated these figurals for their size combined with fine detail and overall execution by the artist. Many call it the "Walter Johnson trophy". This pitcher does resemble Johnson, but that may be wishful thinking. I acquired it via a B.I.N. on ebay that I couldn't pass up ;)

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...0/IMG_2284.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...0/IMG_2287.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...0/IMG_2285.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...0/IMG_2286.jpg

Wow Mike...nice going....that's a major figural...produced by the A.C. Rehberger Company of Chicago...founded in 1912 by Alfred C. Rehberger....I always thought it looked like a young Babe Ruth...Very nice to P/U via BIN...I got mine at a National from Dan Knoll...many moons ago...Congrats, it's one the best BB figurals...Bronze??...doubtful...very well done chestnut bronze colored patina on a thick white metal cast...

baseball tourist 03-01-2012 04:50 AM

1960's Tokyo Giants Flannel
 
I don't see 1960's flannels very often, especially not from iconic Japanese teams. Picked up a Tokyo Giants wool gamer made by Tamazawa from an unknown player and year. Great condition with only minor wear and soiling

http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/b729729e.jpg

http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/4a40f752.jpg

http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/81daa231.jpg

mjkm90 03-01-2012 04:51 AM

Thanks for the info Carlton. I assumed it was bronze because I wasn't sure they could produce nice detail in cast metal...you da man:)

39special 03-01-2012 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baseball tourist (Post 971705)
I don't see 1960's flannels very often, especially not from iconic Japanese teams. Picked up a Tokyo Giants wool gamer made by Tamazawa from an unknown player and year. Great condition with only minor wear and soiling

http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/b729729e.jpg

http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/4a40f752.jpg

http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/81daa231.jpg

Nice Jersey!!!

Scott Garner 03-03-2012 12:31 AM

Christy Mathewson Bucknell University Memorial Stadium ticket
 
1 Attachment(s)
Not prewar, but I just picked up this full ticket to Bucknell University's dedication ceremony to the Christy Mathewson Memorial Stadium in Lewisburg, PA in 1989.

As you can see, the ticket pictures a great photo of Matty in uniform. Neat! :cool:

BTW, the gentleman that sold this to me let me know that he has a few more, and the price was definately right ($12 delivered). If you would like one, please send me an e-mail and I can send you his contact info. ;)

Scott Garner 03-03-2012 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruth-gehrig (Post 971695)
I've never seen this Sardine baseball box before but thought it was pretty neat.

Very cool box!

Scott Garner 03-03-2012 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarltonHendricks (Post 971704)
Wow Mike...nice going....that's a major figural...produced by the A.C. Rehberger Company of Chicago...founded in 1912 by Alfred C. Rehberger....I always thought it looked like a young Babe Ruth...Very nice to P/U via BIN...I got mine at a National from Dan Knoll...many moons ago...Congrats, it's one the best BB figurals...Bronze??...doubtful...very well done chestnut bronze colored patina on a thick white metal cast...

Carlton,

The facial features somewhat resemble a youthful Babe, but obviously he would be a left handed thrower. The pitching arm/hand end position of the figural resembles Walter Johnson's follow through as he was a true side armer, FWIW...

Joe Hunter 03-03-2012 04:06 PM

19th Century Cabinet Photo w/Fingerless & Workmans Gloves
 
1 Attachment(s)
Picked up this nice 19th Century cabinet with two players in uniform, one with a workmans glove, and the other with a fingerless model.

GaryPassamonte 03-03-2012 04:14 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Very late CdV.

Scott Garner 03-03-2012 08:05 PM

Matty Memorial Stadium Dedication Program
 
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Garner (Post 972329)
Not prewar, but I just picked up this full ticket to Bucknell University's dedication ceremony to the Christy Mathewson Memorial Stadium in Lewisburg, PA in 1989.

As you can see, the ticket pictures a great photo of Matty in uniform. Neat! :cool:

BTW, the gentleman that sold this to me let me know that he has a few more, and the price was definately right ($12 delivered). If you would like one, please send me an e-mail and I can send you his contact info. ;)

Many thanks to Chris W. from net54. He saw my earlier post today re: the Matty Memorial Stadium full ticket and offered me a program to the same event. What a great complimentary piece- only on net54!

This is one of the reasons that I love this community so much. You guys are awesome!! :D

71buc 03-03-2012 10:41 PM

7 Attachment(s)
These are a few of my most recent Type 1 photo pick ups. 1950 Paige, 1929 Grove, 1929 Jimmie Foxx, 1930 Phillies, 1934 Cochrane, 1929 Ferrell, 1940 Dean.

Scott Garner 03-04-2012 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71buc (Post 972627)
These are a few of my most recent Type 1 photo pick ups. 1950 Paige, 1929 Grove, 1929 Jimmie Foxx, 1930 Phillies, 1934 Cochrane, 1929 Ferrell, 1940 Dean.

Wow Mike, great photos all! Several of them stare right into your soul.
Just awesome!

71buc 03-04-2012 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Garner (Post 972649)
Wow Mike, great photos all! Several of them stare right into your soul.
Just awesome!

Thanks Scott I can't seem to get enough of them. I collect many baseball related items but always find myself drawn back to photos for exactly that reason.

johnmh71 03-04-2012 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71buc (Post 972627)
These are a few of my most recent Type 1 photo pick ups. 1950 Paige, 1929 Grove, 1929 Jimmie Foxx, 1930 Phillies, 1934 Cochrane, 1929 Ferrell, 1940 Dean.

Nice Foxx photo of him in catcher's gear.

ruth-gehrig 03-05-2012 03:42 PM

Diamond Brand Ad on Scorecard
 
2 Attachment(s)
I love the action on this new old stock scorecard that's never been folded or written in.

CarltonHendricks 03-05-2012 11:55 PM

Hunt Tobacco P/U's
 
<a href="http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/?action=view&amp;current=PICT3889_1200x900.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/PICT3889_1200x900.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
New additions -Two Home Run Cigarette packs on left

<a href="http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/?action=view&amp;current=PICT3882_1200x900.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/PICT3882_1200x900.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Rah Rah Tobacco pouch

Received these today out of the Hunt Internet auction last month...Two different lots...the two Home Run Cigarette packs on the left in top photo...and the Rah Rah Tobacco pouch. Hunt auctioned a 30 year tobacco collection put together by Thomas Caruso....It was the best all at once offering of tobacco pieces I can recall..The cards and card related pieces seemed to be the hotest items..I sure would like to know the who what where of how he got my two pieces...where they came from etc.

http://www.sportsantiques.com/homeruncigspost.htm
I did a story back in May 2009 on the poster that advertised Home Run Cigarettes, link above..in it I examine the packs in relation to the poster. By writing the story I learned the early pack are very rare...Jon Canfield of http://www.baseballandtobacco.com/ informed me he'd only seen one early pack for sale...So when I spotted the two in one lot I zeroed in...

I don't bid in a lot of brick and mortars...that buyers premium is murder...phew..finally whoever was bidding it up folded and I got um...When I received them today I was very satisfied with their condition and how they look in my display case...

I had the one on the right already so the three make for a nice display I think..The center one is the oldest I'm sure....it even has two original cigarettes inside that say Home Run on them...and the other pack though latter is very rare as well...I guess I got a good deal, especially considering I got two packs...And the Rah Rah pouch is no slouch...I think it's only the second I've seen..

Many years back bought a January 8, 1891 The Daily Picayune newspaper from New Orleans that had an advertisement for Home Run Cigs...So I know the brand is at least that old...and the center pack looks like it could be that old...Below some in lineup shots


<a href="http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/?action=view&amp;current=HomeRunCigsInLineuo_1071x 862.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/HomeRunCigsInLineuo_1071x862.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/?action=view&amp;current=RahRahInLineup_1117x833.j pg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/RahRahInLineup_1117x833.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/?action=view&amp;current=CloseInOfAd.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/CloseInOfAd.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

HexsHeroes 03-07-2012 08:48 AM

Clyde Hatter (d.1937) & Gordon McNaughton (d.1942)
 
2 Attachment(s)
.

Every once in a while, luck and effort intersect, and the payoff is rewarding.

I purchased a 1936 Milwaukee minor league team signed baseball on eBay recently. I bought it primarily because it was signed by former Detroit Tigers Clyde Hatter (d.1937), but got a nice bonus with the presence of a faded Gordon McNaughton (d.1942) signature too.

I do not (generally) purchase team signed baseballs. Frankly, I rarely find a ball signed boldly enough to please me. The first few vintage team signed balls that I did purchase left me extremely disappointed. What appearred as vivid or clear signatures in the listing, was not nearly so when actually held in hand. Positive enhancement brought on by strong lighting, I guess. But every once in a while, my interest gets peaked, and I stray over to the dark side in pursuit of a possible bargain.

This is one of those "bargains." It occurred because of the wealth of information available on the internet, and the willingness to invest some time researching. This baseball was vauguely listed as "Vintage Autograph Baseball" and the description stated that some of the signatures were from ballplayers who played in the 30s and 40s for the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox. Using five of the stronger signatures present (Luke Hamlin, Rudy York, Tot Pressnell, Frenchy Udalt, & Eddie Hope), I cross referenced their minor league careers and was able to place all five individuals with Milwaukee in 1936. A comparison of the 1936 Milwaukee roster with the remaining signatures on the ball revealed the presence of Hatter and McNaughton autographs. I still am trying to decipher three of the extremely faint signatures to determine who they may be. Regardless of whether I succeed or not, it's still a pretty cool score.

.

canjond 03-07-2012 09:20 AM

Carlton-

Curious who the manufacturer on the side of your older Home Run packs are? That might help narrow down the date. Is there any "successor to" language?

bjcunningham 03-07-2012 10:57 AM

Gordon McNaughton
 
Vincent, cool pick-up. I was just doing some reading on Bernard Malamud. Funny how life intersects sometimes.

Lordstan 03-11-2012 08:31 PM

Been a little slow lately.
My newest.
A nice Gehrig from 1938 WS.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...8WSsliding.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...Sslidingbk.jpg

CarltonHendricks 03-11-2012 10:56 PM

will do
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by canjond (Post 973458)
Carlton-

Curious who the manufacturer on the side of your older Home Run packs are? That might help narrow down the date. Is there any "successor to" language?

Jon, Excellent question....I'll check it out when get time...was so excited to get displayed completely forgot to look them over LOL

David Atkatz 03-11-2012 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lordstan (Post 974769)

Lou was just a bit slow, too!

daves_resale_shop 03-11-2012 11:21 PM

munson
 
2 Attachment(s)
Promised this one to a friend, but figured I would post it while I have it!

batsballsbases 03-12-2012 06:21 PM

lou
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by David Atkatz (Post 974803)
Lou was just a bit slow, too!

David<
Give poor Lou (My Hero) a little credit photo is 1938 was trying to stretch a single into a double and was out only by 6 inches!!:eek: Now if it was Babe he would have been out by ten feet!:D Thats why he always hit a homerun to avoid photos like this!;);)

batsballsbases 03-12-2012 06:22 PM

munson
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by daves_resale_shop (Post 974807)
Promised this one to a friend, but figured I would post it while I have it!

Dave I thought I was your friend!!;)

thekingofclout 03-13-2012 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lordstan (Post 974769)
Been a little slow lately.
My newest.
A nice Gehrig from 1938 WS.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...8WSsliding.jpg

Boy, that's a great image, Mark. I just love the body language and contorted face of the Cubbie mid-fielder as he smacks Gehrig right in the back of his noggin! That had to hurt, even the Iron Man.

Best, Jimmy

Lordstan 03-13-2012 10:35 PM

Thanks guys for the kind words.
David/Jimmy,
You also have take note that this is from 1938, so you have to figure his illness was staring to manifest. Perhaps a younger/healthier version of Lou would've made it standing!

He is my hero as well. Seems a very worthy subject for such affection and adoration.

Best,
Mark

71buc 03-15-2012 04:37 PM

2 Attachment(s)
I picked up my first two Campy photos this week. The image with Lasie is a promotional photo for a 1959 episode of the TV series.

39special 03-15-2012 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71buc (Post 975907)
I picked up my first two Campy photos this week. The image with Lasie is a promotional photo for a 1959 episode of the TV series.

Mike they are some nice Campy pictures!!

Forever Young 03-15-2012 08:34 PM

I just picked up a couple Great TYPE 1 photos to go with my ticket stubs.

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...W5vJr60_57.jpg

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...zInJh60_57.jpg

mjkm90 03-16-2012 07:21 PM

:D
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...rViGg60_35.jpg

Scott Garner 03-16-2012 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjkm90 (Post 976210)

Beautiful except for the outcome of the series.... :(

thekingofclout 03-18-2012 03:04 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Forever Young (Post 975966)
I just picked up a couple Great TYPE 1 photos to go with my ticket stubs.

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...W5vJr60_57.jpg

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...zInJh60_57.jpg

Terrific pick-ups Ben. I'm happy you left one for me! Here it is. This 1960 World Series - Maz Hits His Historic Bottom of the 9th Walk-Off Home Run to Bring the World Series Title to the Iron City.

Over the last dozen years, I've seen scores of TYPE 3 photos of Maz making his way round the bases, but I just can't remember any TYPE 1's that came up for sale (and I've looked and looked!!). So I was especially pleased to add this one to my collection...


Attachment 59465

Hankphenom 03-18-2012 09:22 AM

Jimmy,
That group of photos had me puzzled because of the photocopied tags and the fact that some pictured events from the 30s and 40s and were therefore either Type II or IV. They all had the same 1954-1960 A.P. stamping and photocopied tags, the same toning and condition, and looking very much to me as though they had all been made at the same time. So I thought maybe this was a group of "greatest moments" photos done in 1960 to accompany the Maz photo for an essay or pictorial about great moments in sports history. If that's true, your Maz would be the only Type I in the bunch. Just wondering.

Forever Young 03-18-2012 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekingofclout (Post 976504)
Terrific pick-ups Ben. I'm happy you left one for me! Here it is. This 1960 World Series - Maz Hits His Historic Bottom of the 9th Walk-Off Home Run to Bring the World Series Title to the Iron City.

Over the last dozen years, I've seen scores of TYPE 3 photos of Maz making his way round the bases, but I just can't remember any TYPE 1's that came up for sale (and I've looked and looked!!). So I was especially pleased to add this one to my collection...


Attachment 59465

Very nice photo jimmy... No idea how I missed this photo but I never saw it. You would have outbid me anyway if you were going strong(as if there was any doubt). Unfortunately, I do not own that monster ticket. Very nice man.

btcarfagno 03-21-2012 06:20 AM

1936 Pirates Autographed Photo
 
Love the photo. Love the autographs. Blanton and Welch are far tougher than Paul Waner. Although I'm happy with the Waners for sure!

http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/y...ins/Waners.jpg

Tom C

71buc 03-21-2012 06:57 AM

Tom that's an impressive photo!

russyurk 03-25-2012 02:37 PM

5 Attachment(s)
I just picked up a team signed ball from my hometown, the 1949 Flint Arrows. Great price and I seem to rarely find anything from Flint so I couldn't pass it up. Ball includes a couple future big leagues, Clem Koshorek & Frank House.

johnmh71 03-25-2012 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekingofclout (Post 975176)
Boy, that's a great image, Mark. I just love the body language and contorted face of the Cubbie mid-fielder as he smacks Gehrig right in the back of his noggin! That had to hurt, even the Iron Man.

Best, Jimmy

Talk about the umpire being on top of the play. No chance of missing that one.

sports-rings 03-26-2012 06:39 AM

2 Attachment(s)
This painting is not for everybody (maybe very few), but I like it. I was the only bidder in the Paragon auctions of this painting by Steve Sax so I got it for $200. It's Tommie Agee. Steve Sax's paintings tend to be multidimensional as you can see in the 2nd picture.

sports-rings 03-26-2012 06:42 AM

1 Attachment(s)
A local guy restores and sells stadium chairs. Had him restore these seats from Ebbets Field. The chairs are more blue, but the flash darkened the color.

39special 03-26-2012 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sports-rings (Post 978518)
This painting is not for everybody (maybe very few), but I like it. I was the only bidder in the Paragon auctions of this painting by Steve Sax so I got it for $200. It's Tommie Agee. Steve Sax's paintings tend to be multidimensional as you can see in the 2nd picture.

Very cool painting!!

Runscott 03-28-2012 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btcarfagno (Post 977230)
Love the photo. Love the autographs. Blanton and Welch are far tougher than Paul Waner. Although I'm happy with the Waners for sure!

http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/y...ins/Waners.jpg

Tom C

Great photo, Tom - the Waners were certainly very photogenic.

My Legendary hoard arrived yesterday. The gems were the 1870's Meteors albumen photo and a letter from Walter Johnson to a young fan, but it was all good stuff. I've never seen so much so efficiently and safely packed into one box!

Joe Hunter 03-31-2012 12:02 PM

1905 Oklahoma City Mets
 
1 Attachment(s)
Picked up this photo of the 1905 Oklahoma City Mets minor league team. Only one of these players made it to the Majors-John Halla-and that was for only a game or two with the Cleveland Naps that same year. The player identified as "Brown" is not listed on their roster, so that may be a misidentification. I really like the clarity of this piece.

Scott Garner 04-01-2012 08:35 PM

Cool ticket!
 
1 Attachment(s)
I just picked up this neat figural die-cut baseball ticket originating from a Satchel Paige win in 1956 at age 50. Here is some background info on the game:

This is a ticket stub from the 8/7/56 baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the Columbus Jets. It was hyped as "The Baseball Party to End All Baseball Parties." On August 7, 1956 the Orange Bowl playing field was transformed into a baseball diamond and America's national pastime made its debut in the giant football stadium. A crowd of 51,713 watched the Miami Marlins beat the Columbus Jets 6-2 in a charity game that featured the pitching and hitting heroics of Satchel Paige. The game drew the largest crowd to watch a minor league baseball game at the time. Long before the Florida Marlins existed, the Miami Marlins were South Florida's baseball team. The Marlins were a triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies in the International League and played their home games at Miami Stadium. But on one magical night, the Orange Bowl was their home field.

Team owner Bill Veeck was a longtime baseball maverick. He was often referred to as the P.T. Barnum of baseball. Veeck would resort to anything to bring fans to the ballpark. When he owned the St. Louis Browns, he once signed a 3-foot-7 inch dwarf named Eddie Gaedel in 1951, who walked on four pitches in his only Major League at bat. Many years later when he owned the Chicago White Sox, he designed an exploding scoreboard at Comiskey Park, had his players wear strange uniforms that included shorts and was infamously remembered for organizing the 1979 "Disco Demolition Night" leading to the destruction of disco records and leaving the playing field in shambles. But Veeck's greatest legacy in South Florida was bringing the legendary pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige to the Marlins.

Satchel Paige is one of baseball's most iconic and colorful players. His peak years were pitching for the Kansas City Monarchs in the negro leagues from the late 1920s through the 1930s. Many baseball historians considered him to be one of the most dominant pitchers of his time. He often played against Major League players during offseason barnstorming tours and beat them repeatedly. Former Cardinals hall of fame pitcher Dizzy Dean once called Paige the best pitcher he ever saw. But by the time Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1947, Paige was 41-years-old and well past his prime. In 1948, then-Indians owner Bill Veeck signed Paige to his first major league contract. Paige and Indians teammate Larry Doby were the first African-Americans to play in the American League. Together they helped the Indians win the 1948 World Series. Paige pitched in the major leagues through 1953 at the age of 47.

By 1954, the St. Louis Browns released Paige. It appeared his profesional baseball career was over. He was 48 years old and still had the desire to keep playing. He bounced around in the minor leagues until his former boss Bill Veeck decided to sign him to a $15,000 contract and a percentage of the gate with the Miami Marlins in 1956. Many thought it was another one of Veeck's crazy gimmicks to bring in the 50-year-old Paige. But on the contrary. Despite his old age, Paige could still get minor league hitters out. In his first game as a Marlin, he pitched a complete-game 4-hit shutout.

But the highlight of Paige's tenure in Miami came in an exhibition game at the Orange Bowl. The stadium was clearly not meant to host baseball. Changing the field into a baseball park was like fitting a square peg through a round hole. The field dimensions were horribly skewed. Home plate was located in the southeast corner of the field and the right field wall less than 300 feet away. To compensate for the short right field, a giant fence was constructed. But none of that mattered to the fans who were hungry to see baseball. It was a festive night at the stadium. Proceeds went to charity and the pregame entertainment included a concert by jazz and blues legend Cab Calloway. Imagine 50,000 people singing "Heidi Heidi Heidi Ho!" in unison. But the real show was put on by Satchel Paige. Paige pitched into the eighth inning and also drove in 3-runs with a double to left-center field, giving the Marlins a 6-2 win. A week later, he pitched a one-hitter against Rochester and left to a standing ovation. During his three years with the Marlins, Paige was 31-22 with a 2.73 ERA, very good numbers for any pitcher regardless of age.

Satchel Paige eventually made one more appearance in the major leagues with the Kansas City Athletics on September 25, 1965, when he was signed by another maverick owner Charlie Finley. He was 59 years old. Paige's career major league record was just 28-31. He never got the opportunity to play in the major leagues as a young man. But he was never bitter. He was known for his sense of humor and was loved by teammates and fans. He was also known for his many colorful quotes. His most famous was "Don't look back, something might be gaining on you." That's exactly how Paige lived his baseball career. He was the first player from the negro leagues to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:33 AM.