NBC World Series to honor tournament legend
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Satchel Paige
One of the most revered Negro League baseball players, Leroy "Satchel" Paige, will have his number retired during the National Baseball Congress World Series Tournament in Wichita.
Paige played a major role in the birth of the NBC World Series in 1935 when he agreed to bring his barnstorming club from Bismarck, N.D. to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The Hall of Famer helped Bismarck win the inaugural tournament championship.
Paige's 60 strikeouts that summer remain a World Series record to this day.
"Satchel Paige has meant a great deal to the rich history of this tournament, and to baseball in the City of Wichita," said Tournament Director Casey Walkup. "We are proud to be permanently honoring Satchel Paige for his contributions both on and off the field."
A limited number of replica 1935 Bismarck Churchills hats will be given away to fans at the gate. Paige had a legendary career in the Negro Leagues and played a vital role in breaking down baseball's color barrier in 1947. Paige reached the Majors himself in 1948, helping the Cleveland Indians win the World Series.
A special pre-game ceremony will take place Thursday, Aug. 9, at 7:30 p.m. Paige's name and the number "17" - the number Paige wore while playing for Bismarck - will be permanently enshrined on the right-center field wall at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
Members of Paige's family will be on hand for special presentations from the NBC World Series and the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame. A replica 1935 Bismarck Churchills jersey with Paige's number will be auctioned off to benefit the Satchel Paige Foundation.
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