by David Marasco

By 1952 Satchel Paige had already seen his best days. He had played in the American League, the Negro Leagues and barnstormed across America for nearly a quarter of a century. His arm had gone dead in the late 30's, only to return as if by magic in the early 40's. When Satchel was signed by Cleveland's Bill Veeck in 1948, many thought it was just for publicity. Satchel proved them wrong by going 6-1 and helping the Indians to the pennant. When Veeck moved on to the St. Louis Browns, Satchel followed.

During his barnstorming years Satchel would start almost every game. This was done in order to maximize attendance, after a few innings Satchel would make way for Hilton Smith. This earned Satchel an unwanted reputation that he could no longer "go deep" into a game. This was simply not true, it was economics, not talent, that dictated Satchel's pitching appearances. Still, by the time the Color Barrier fell Satchel was ancient for a ballplayer. The best evidence points to a 1906 birth date for Satchel. This would make him 46 in 1952. That year he had been used mainly in relief, but on August 6 he was given his second start of the season.

The Detroit Tigers had come to town and a sparse gathering of slightly over 6000 saw Satchel face Virgil "Fire" Trucks. The reason for the small crowd is this: both teams were playing bad ball. The Browns would finish the year in seventh place at 64-90. As bad as this was, the Tigers finished dead last 45 games out with a record of 50-104. Still, it was a good pitching matchup. Paige, of course, was a legend. Trucks was having an odd year. Virgil would not did not finishend the season with a good record, but pitched two no-hitters that season. The first came on May the 15th as he blanked the Washington Senators 1-0. On August the 25th he would no-hit the mighty New York Yankees. Trucks would also record a one-hitter and a two-hitter in 1952.

The Browns threatened early. In the second inning they were able to load the bases with no outs. Facing Satchel, Trucks was able to get out of the jam. Paige bounced to Walt Dropo at first who fired home and took the return for a quick double play. Dropo was another player who had an interesting 1952. In July he had tied a Major League record by getting 12 straight hits. With two outs and men at second and third Virgil struck out Gordon Goldsberry to quell the would-be uprising.

Both pitchers put up zeros across the board. After nine innings the game was still scoreless. As the game went into extra innings Satchel ran into trouble. In the top of the tenth the Tigers were able to load the bases with no outs. Johnny Pesky was sent to the plate in the place of Trucks. Satchel threw as fast sinker to Pesky, and Johnny hit into a force play at the plate. Johnny Groth did the same with a low hard pitch. Neil Berry watched three straight "trouble balls" that were called strikes and Satchel was out of the inning.

With Hal White now pitching for the Tigers, neither team could score. The bottom of the twelfth saw Bobby Young record a lead-off single, who was then sacrificed to second. Al Zarilla, pinch hitting for Satchel, was intentionally walked. Goldberry then hit to the infield and was called out at first. Ray Coleman was given a free pass. With bases loaded, Bob Nieman singled to score Young and record a 1-0 victory for Paige.

Satchel had gone the full twelve innings for the shutout victory. It was his first complete game since 1949. He had given up seven hits and two walks. On the other side of the ledger Satchel struck out nine. Fans of old-time baseball will be pleased to note that the entire affair took but three hours and one minute.