For those of you who love the sport of baseball, possibly the worldâs greatest pitcher was born 104 years ago today, on July 7th 1906 in Mobile, Alabama. His name was Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige, According to the library of congress, Paige earned his nickname, Satchel, as a young boy carrying bags at railroad stations for passengers. After being convicted of petty theft, he was placed in a black reform school where he began refining his baseball skills. Five years later, Paige began pitching professionally for several teams in the Negro Southern Association, the Negro American League, and the Negro National League. Paige's pitching prowess drew huge crowds. A natural showman, Paige enjoyed driving from game to game in his Cadillac convertible. He also owned a bus and several airplanes with Satchel Paige's All-Stars written on the side. Barred from the major leagues because he was black, Paige showcased his skills by barnstorming across the country, pitching for any team willing to meet his price, and proving his mettle in organized exhibition games against the best players of the day.