Sense Of Congress That President Should Posthumously Award Presidential Medal Of Freedom To Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige

SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT PRESIDENT SHOULD POSTHUMOUSLY AWARD PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO LEROY ROBERT ``SATCHEL'' PAIGE -- (House of Representatives - December 06, 2006)

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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, it is believed that Leroy ``Satchel'' Paige was born on July 7, 1905. In 1965, 60 years after Page's estimated birth, he took the mound for the last time and threw three shutout innings for the Kansas City Athletics.

Paige's pitching was amazing and his showboating was legendary. Joe DiMaggio called Paige ``the best and fastest pitcher I have ever faced.'' His career highlights spanned five decades. Pronounced the greatest pitcher in the history of the Negro Leagues, Paige compiled such feats as 64 consecutive scoreless innings, a stretch of 21 straight wins, and a 31-4 record in 1933. For 22 years, Paige mauled the competition in front of sellout crowds. His goal was to pitch in the Major Leagues.

In 1948, Paige's dream came true. The Cleveland Indians were in need of extra pitching for the pennant race. Paige stepped to the mound and helped the Indians win. He also played for St. Louis and Kansas City.

When Paige's Major League career was completed, he compiled a modest 28-31 record with a 3.29 earned run average. He also served as a coach for the Atlanta Braves in 1968. In 1971, Paige was given the ultimate honor. He was elected to join the very best in baseball history by being elected to the Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to support S. Con. Res. 91.

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