Satchell Paige: How to Keep Young

Now that the Cleveland Indians have beat the Blue Jays and are into the World Series (now 1-1 vs Chicago Cubs) - I was reminded of one of their most revered and ledgendary pitchers Satchell Paige - who joined the team from the Negro League in 1948* when they last won the World  Series (although they were in the Pennant races for 1995 and 1997).








So here were his oft repeated rules on "How to Keep Young".

1.	Avoid fried meats which angry up the blood.
2.	If you stomach disputes you, lie down and pacify it with cool thoughts.
3.	Keep the juices flowing by jangling around gently as you move.
4.	Go very light on the vices, such as carrying on in society. The social ramble ain't restful.
5.	Avoid running at all times.
6.	Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you.

But I like these other ones too.

Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter.

I ain't ever had a job, I just always played baseball.

How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

My pitching philosophy is simple - keep the ball way from the bat.

If a man can beat you, walk him. 

Ain't no man can avoid being born average, but there ain't no man got to be common.


* Following Jackie Robinson the first to break the Colour Bar of Baseball in 1947.  Robinson had a strong connection to Canada as he was first tried out with the Broklyn Dodgers Farm Team - the Montreal Royals.  Paige himself was older and considered a bigger star player in the Negro Leagues - and supposedly had some hurt feelings about not being first but got over it as I guess he and Jackie were pals.