There are dozens, if not hundreds, of stories about the pitching prowess of Satchel Paige, but it wasn’t until this year that a story about Paige’s accomplishments in Wichita, KS gained much-deserved attention.
It turns out that during his second season as a member of the integrated Bismarck Churchills, Paige played in the inaugural National Baseball Congress.
That was 1935, 12 years before Major League Baseball integrated and well before most baseball parks allowed Black people into the seats, let alone onto the field.
In the series, by all reports, Paige was a huge draw. He was a star; winning four games and striking out 60 batters. The semi-pro Churchill’s won the tournament. Their success and the fans they drew to Wichita were the catalysts for what would become the NBC World Series, which will kick off its 90th tournament July 25.
As part of the anniversary celebration, NBC World Series organizers have planned a celebration that includes recognition of the role Paige played in making the tournament and the history of African-American baseball.
On opening night, there will be a Satchel Paige bobblehead giveaway to the first 1,000 fans. Individuals who purchase tournament passes for the NBC series, are guaranteed a Paige Bobblehead.
Passes to the Evergy NBC World Series are $75 for upper general admission and $99 for lower general admission. Passes are good for all 36 games of the 2024 NBC World
Also on opening night, there will be a reception in the stadium’s All-American Club at 6 p.m. At the reception, Paige’s grandson will talk about his famous grandfather’s life and legacy. Dinner and your game ticket are included in the $50 reception price. Tickets to the reception are expected to sell out so buy early.
This July, The Kansas African American Museum and the NBC Baseball Foundation have teamed to celebrate the history of African American baseball, and the legacy of Paige. Stop by TKAAM to learn more about the history of players like Paige, Bobby Boyd, Ozzie Smith and Tim Anderson, and explore everything else the museum has to offer.
FYI, the year after the Churchill’s won the tournament with Paige, the tournament returned to a segregated policy.
