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August 14, 1950

Braeland City Monarchs Take a ‘Paige’ From History
Ballclub Lures Legendary Hurler, Satchel Paige, to United Leagues

Pitcher Satchel Paige – coming to a ballpark near you

Braeland City, August 14 (BP) – Baseball fans in Braeland will soon see a familiar face gracing pitcher’s mounds throughout the United Leagues this coming season. Leroy Robert ‘Satchel’ Paige, the legendary American pitcher, was introduced to reporters and other onlookers by the Braeland City Monarchs at this morning’s press conference held at Kings Park. Monarchs General Manager Adam Trelawny presented the 44-year old Paige with a new jersey bearing the number ‘29’ on the back, the same number he wore last season with the Cleveland Indians and spoke about their most recent free agent signing.

“This is truly an exciting and momentous day”, declared the beaming GM. “Not only have we signed one of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game – if the not the greatest - but we have also signed a player that has already contributed so much to the history of Braeland baseball.”

Indeed, Satchel Paige is no stranger to Braeland, having played a prominent role in the popularity of baseball in this country when his All-Stars played a six-game exhibition series against the Babe Ruth All-Stars in both Brunswick and Wolseley back in the 1935. The resounding success of that tournament paved the way for the creation of the United Leagues in 1937. Now, 15 years later, the fabled Negro and Major League ballplayer returns to the South Pacific to continue his career.

After donning his new jersey and shaking hands with Trelawny and club owner Liam Redelius Jr., Satchel Paige took his turn at the rostrum.

“I’d like to thank Mr. Trelawny for that fine introduction and the welcome I have received from the Monarchs. After being released by Cleveland, it’s nice to know I’m still wanted by somebody. I’ve played in a lot of places outside of America - Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic. But this is certainly the farthest place yet. I look forward to the opportunity of getting back onto the ballfield and helping the Monarchs win a championship.”

Paige finally made his major league debut in July 1948 with the Cleveland Indians of the American League at the age of 42. But at the end of the American League regular season last year he was given his unconditional release after Indians’ owner Bill Veeck was forced to sell the team. The Monarchs, sensing an opportunity to strengthen their pitching staff, tracked down Paige in the United States and began wooing him with a lucrative contract and a guaranteed spot in the Monarch’s rotation if he would agree to come to Braeland and pitch in the United Leagues. After assurances that he would be a free agent following the upcoming season, as well as further incentives, such as an all-star bonus and a ‘Satchel Paige’ Award bonus should he earn them, Paige finally agreed and signed with the Monarchs this morning, exactly two weeks before the Coconut Leagues officially open.

When asked by a reporter what spot in the rotation he expected to occupy, Mr. Paige merely replied, “Well, wherever they want me to pitch.” General Manager Adam Trelawny then spoke up and clarified that Paige would be heading into the Coconut Leagues as the Monarchs’ ace and that the No. 1 spot would be ‘his to lose’.

“There you go”, replied a smiling Paige, soliciting laughter from the assembled crowd.

Despite his age, it is expected that Paige will provide a much-needed boost to the Monarchs’ rotation, at least in the short-term. Although the team has won 90 or more games over the past three seasons and qualified for the playoffs each time, the Monarchs have yet to win a championship. Most alarmingly, they finished last season with a team ERA of 3.98, good for just fourth in the Eastern League and their worst effort since the 1938-39 season (4.13 ERA). With 40-year old LHP David Cooling (16-11, 3.67 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) showing signs of regression (1-4, 5.06 ERA last March) and the rest of the staff quickly approaching their 30’s, management decided to do something bold to try and keep their playoff window open.

Signing the legendary and colorful Satchel Paige certainly qualifies as bold. And while Mr. Trelawny has directed all eyes to the Monarchs in the process, it remains to be seen whether he has successfully routed the road to the United Cup through Braeland City as well.