The number 642 is a beloved number for many baseball fans, especially those of the legendary Negro Leagues. It represents the number of wins achieved by Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige during his career. But what does 642 mean in baseball and why has it become such a significant number in the sport? In this article, we’ll explore the history of 642, as well as its significance to the game of baseball.
The History of 642
Satchel Paige, who was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1906, was one of the most successful and influential African American athletes of the twentieth century. He began his professional baseball career in 1926, playing for the Chattanooga Black Lookouts of the Negro Southern League. He went on to play in a variety of Negro Leagues teams, including the Birmingham Black Barons, the Pittsburgh Crawfords, the Kansas City Monarchs, and the Newark Eagles.
Throughout his career, Paige was known for his exceptional pitching skills and longevity. He won 642 games during his time in the Negro Leagues, a remarkable feat considering the limited number of games played by Negro League teams at the time.
The Significance of 642
The number 642 has come to represent much more than just Satchel Paige’s win total. It has become a symbol of the excellence and perseverance of African American baseball players during a time when they were often excluded from major league baseball.
For many African American baseball fans, 642 is a reminder of the accomplishments of Satchel Paige and all the other African American players who were shut out of major league baseball due to segregation. They are also a reminder of the legacy of the Negro Leagues, which provided a platform for African American players to showcase their skills and to prove their worth as professional athletes.
The Legacy of 642
Today, the number 642 is still widely used as a symbol of excellence and perseverance in baseball. In 2019, Major League Baseball officially retired the number 642 in an effort to recognize and honor the legacy of the Negro Leagues. The number is still used by fans and players in a variety of ways, including as a hashtag on social media and as a way to show support for African American baseball players.
In addition, the number 642 is often seen on t-shirts, hats, and other memorabilia. It is a reminder of the accomplishments of Satchel Paige and all the other African American players who helped shape the game of baseball.
Conclusion
The number 642 has become a powerful symbol of the excellence and perseverance of African American baseball players. It is a reminder of the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the impact African American players have had on the game of baseball. The number 642 is a testament to the contribution of Satchel Paige and all the other African American players who were shut out of major league baseball due to segregation.