The 5.5 Hole | for those who love san diego baseball
Description: Ninety feet between home plate and first base may be the closest man has ever come to perfection. – Red Smith
Aug. 27, 1961. A 54-year-old Satchel Paige takes the mound for the Portland Beavers against their PCL rival, Seattle Rainiers at Sicks’ Stadium in Seattle, Washington. Satchel’s PCL career was shortlived, as he only pitched in 5 games late in the season, but in those 5 games, he did manage to pitch 25 innings and finish with a 2.88 ERA. Not bad for a guy pushing 60 who was essentially signed as a promotion.
In 1935, Babe Ruth quietly wrapped up his career as a member of the Boston Braves. Some may consider this last chapter of the Babe’s career to be sad and anti-climatic, but I think it’s strange and for that reason, I love it. I’ve always been interested in legendary players who end their careers with teams (or leagues) that they are not typically associated with. This is certainly applicable to the above image of Satchel Paige.
With that said, there is something cool about Babe posing for a photo with a National League pitching star in Dizzy Dean , who I’m guessing he may have only previously faced in exhibition or spring training games? Looking at the 1935 Braves season, it looks like the 40-year-old Babe went 0 for 6 in two games against Dean.
The 5.5 Hole | for those who love san diego baseball