I was tagged by both Brandy, http://bransblahg.wordpress.com , and Sir Robert, http://sirrobertsworld.blogspot.com to write a six word memoir.
 
I would like mine to read “Full Steam Ahead, Don’t Look Back.”  This was inspired by a quote I remember from the african-american baseball pitcher Satchel Paige, “Don’t look back – something might be gaining on you.”
 
Satchel Paige never let having the wrong skin color, or being an old man in a young man’s sport, stop him.  His is an inspiration story for everyone.
 
Some other quotes from Paige:
 
“Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
“Avoid fried meats which angry up the blood”
“Keep the juices flowing by jangling around gently as you move.”
“Go very light on the vices, such as carrying on in society – the social ramble ain’t restful.”
“Avoid running at all times” – Great advice from a professional athlete.  🙂
 
Paige played in professional baseball until he was at least 59.  He is listed as being born in 1906, but neither he or his mother ever confirmed when he was born.  It is likely he was in his 60’s in his last professional game.
 
Because of the race barrier Paige did not get to pitch in the Major Leagues (or white baseball) until 1948 when he was at least 42.  He was probably twice as old as most other “rookies”.  In his first year he went 6-1 with a 2.48 ERA.  In 1952 he was the first black pitcher selected for the All-Star game.
 
In 1965, at the age of at least 59, he pitched in one game for the Kansas City Royals.  He pitched three score less innings.

Paige was elected to the Baseball Hall Of Fame in 1971.

 
The Satchel Paige Wikipedia page:
 
The Offical Satchel Page web site
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