Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth
We don't really know the context of those anecdotes. It's highly unlikely any pitcher, even Paige, could have been sure of striking out the side in a real game all the more so with that type of opposition. There may have been an element of show there.
The story Buck O'Neill told of Paige walking the bases full to get to Josh Gibson, if indeed true, was awesome.
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It is a cool story but if you bring reality into the story it really isn't impressive at all. Even the greatest hitters have a lower batting average against the great pitchers. So realistically Josh Gibson had what a 20-25% chance of getting a hit. Pretty good odds for Mr Paige being able to put on a show that looks WAY more impressive than it really is.