(9azzzzzzr of 11)
We know about Jackie Robinson and have heard about Satchel Paige. This message is not intended to be anything close to comprehensive regarding either of these two or of the Negro League of Baseball; however this message is another indicative of black excellence in general despite the odds.Actually, I only have one main point to make.
Satchel was born Leroy Robert Paige. “He began his professional baseball career in the Negro Leagues in 1926 with the Chattanooga Black Barons and became the Negro Leagues most popular player. Paige finally broke through to the Majors at age 42 and became Rookie of the Year.” He was 42 and beat out rookies who were likely half his age. https://satchelpaige.org/satchel-paige-bio.
He pitched 3 shutout innings at age 59.
Miss me again ESPN about Lebron and Serena and others playing into their late thirties and early forties. Satchel Paige was Major League Rookie of the Year at age 42, better than the best of the best of white folks. Satchel was a 4-time All-Star after age 41. Lead the Major League in strikeouts thrice. Lead the Major League in wins twice. 10 complete games and 3 shutouts. All this, after age 41 and more before and after 41. He must have been on some piss poor teams because he was a Major League World Series champion only twice, which is still good, all things considered.
As said elsewhere, Tom Brady is the benefactor of good systems and teammates. He is only slightly above average and without the relatively recent preservation-of-the-white-quarterback rules, Brady would have been out of the NFL already.
ESPN talking heads obviously don't know any of this and don't know to ask or who to ask or are afraid to say because it doesn't fit the narrative of the day.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/paigesa01.shtml
https://www.sportscasting.com/mlb-these-are-the-oldest-baseball-players-of-all-time/
https://www.sportscasting.com/here-are-the-6-players-with-the-longest-careers-in-mlb-history/