We are glad we have good friends like A History of Drinking, because we nearly missed the birthday of one of the best pitchers ever, Satchel Paige. It would have been his 100th birthday.
WHO IS SATCHEL PAIGE?
Leroy “Satchel” Paige was born on July 7, 1906 in Mobile, Alabama. Paige had earned his nickname, “Satchel,” as a young boy, while he worked carrying bags at railroad stations for passengers.
Reknown for his pitching prowess and showboating antics, Paige was described by fellow great, Joe DiMaggio as “the best and fastest pitcher I’ve ever faced”. Start in the Negro Leagues, where he pitched for 22 years in front of sell out crowds, Paige eventually realized his dream and became the oldest rookie to enter Major League Baseball in 1948. During his MLB career, Paige played for Cleveland, Paige played for St. Louis and Kansas City. By the time he retired in 1953, he compiled a 28-31 record with a 3.29 ERA. In 1965, Paige took to the pitching mound for the last time, to pitch for the Kansas City Athletics. Paige threw three shutout innings.
COOPERSTOWN COCKTAIL
In 1971, Leroy “Satchel” Paige was was elected into the Hall of Fame. We thought this drink was appropriate for a toast in his honor!
Recipe by David Wondrich
- 1.5 oz Tanqueray Gin
- .75 oz Martini & Rossi Rosso Vermouth
- .75 oz Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth
- 2 dashes The Bitter Truth Orange Bitters
- 2 Mint leaves
Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake gently and strain into a cocktail glass.
