Satchel Paige

I recently read Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow by James Sturn and Rich Tommaso; this book is actually a graphic novel and biographical piece. I think because this book is a mixture of the two, it was important (at least for me) to have the introduction, as well as the panel discussion towards the end of the book in order to build some background knowledge to the topics and what surrounded this time period (especially segregation).   I have not read a book similar to this (at least recently), and I have to say it was fun and interesting read!

Taking on the role of: literary luminary--

(Locate five controversial or thought-provoking passages from the text, and discuss how passages support theme of story)

1.  Jennings Field, Tuckwilla, Alabama--Mr. Walker Jennings is givin' his twin sons, Wallace and William, a big send-off, and when Mr. Jennings throws a celebration you be smart to attend (p. 25).

Coloreds are not allowed down near the infield and grandstand, we sit out by the outfield grass in the shade of carpenter woods, closest I came to a baseball field since my knee quit on me.

My momma worked in the Jennings's home.  Washed them boys' clothing, cooked them their food, saw more of them little boys than she did me.

From where we at you couldn't hear Mr. Jennings's speech, but the whole town knows what it is about.  The Jennings boys are takin' the evening train to Missouri.  They have a tryout with the world champion St. Louis Cardinals.

Them twins good, I was better (p. 26).

 

        I chose this as my first passage because Mr. Jennings's seems like a powerful (white) man in Tuckwilla, where the perspective of this story comes from, through the eyes (and narrated by) of Emmet Wilson.  Emmet explains racial issues as they are happening in and throughout his life.  We read how Mr. Jennings's sons are going to be trying out for the major leagues--something African Americans were not allowed to do (including Emmet, who used to play ball, and we read about his experience playing against Satchel Paige in the beginning of the story). Everything in this portion/passage of the book explains the power and significance of the Jennings's family and where they stand in comparison mainly to the African Americans.  Everyone was to know about the twins and their potential success-- and although Emmet no longer plays ball, he knows he is better.  But unfortunately, even if Emmet didn't get injured playing, there no chance at him getting as much as a try-out with any major league team due to the color of his skin. 

 

2.  Yet despite his success, Paige cannot play in the major leagues because he is black.  Said Paige:  "All the nice statements in the world ain't gonna knock down Jim Crow." (p. 30).

         In this passage, we continue to see this underlying theme of racial segregation.  Satchel Paige has become a huge success and is the world's highest paid athlete, even known among and played AGAINST major league hitters--BUT, because of his color he is not allowed to play in the major leagues.  I think this is an important passage because although he was well known, well-liked, very successful, and has made a name for himself, nothing was 'important enough' to rid of the laws that segregated blacks and whites.  No matter how many kind things could be said about Satchel Paige (or any African American man), he could not do enough to make everyone think of blacks and whites as equals.

 

3.  There was plenty of anger in me but I hold my tongue.  What else was I to do? Cry about my rights?  Tell them I am bein' mistreated?

You do that, and you die no different than Lucas Crutchfield (p. 37).

        I chose this because I think it is a powerful passage.  Emmet stands strong for his son, wanting him to continue his schooling and lessons.  Meanwhile, the Jennings's twins get on Emmet's case about how his son, Emmet, Jr. was 'trespassing' and roughed him up.  They continue badgering Emmet, saying his son should be working along his side in their cotton fields, helping.  All of these events lead up to Emmet feeling angry, naturally.  But, being segregated from the white community there was nothing for Emmet to do--I can't imagine crying about one's rights when they did not exist to them.  We continue to see throughout the book how African Americans were mistreated, especially Emmet's son further in the book.  But, I think the most powerful message in this passage is seeing Lucas Crutchfield hanging from a tree, lynched for a reason unknown to the reader.  When seen with graphics supporting the text, this portion of the book is significant in the sense that there was nothing Emmet or anyone with colored skin could do that could overpower the Jennings's--or any white man.

4.  The crowd is on their feet, cheerin'.  Not just the colored section, either (p. 79).

     I chose this passage because of the controversy that led up to this point.  We read about the Satchel Paige All-Stars vs. the Tuckwilla All-Stars, a black team (with Satchel Paige absent for the beginning of the game) versus a white one (which is run by the Jennings's twins).  Throughout the baseball game the readers witness many events through the eyes of Emmet, many of which are controversial in themselves...  Other passages and events which led me to choose the passage above, include:

[In discussion of Emmet, Jr. seeing a black team versus a white team]:

--For the first time in his life, he seein' a black man goin' head-to-head with a white man.  Not just any white man either, but one of the Jennings twins (p. 54).

...This is a huge event for the community of Tuckwilla, one that examines something never before seen to most, and we can understand who Emmet, Jr. is rooting for...and why.

[Because Satchel Paige threw what the umpire called a ball]:

--Paige smiles ear-to-ear, steps off the mound and has a few words for the ump, another first for Emmet, Jr.: seein' a black man sass a white (p. 69).

...Because of segregation, and the consequences that followed for not 'following' the Jim Crow laws, it has been known to Emmet, Jr., among other African Americans  the importance of doing what he is told, and not talking back.  Seeing Satchel Paige take this situation with humor shows his bold personality.  Satchel Paige, throughout this book shows time and time again although he was black, he took chances and stood up for himself-- and he became successful.  Everyone rooted for Satchel Paige, no matter the color of their skin.

 

--Tuckwilla dugout is on its feet kickin' up a fuss, thinkin' Paige is playin' more games, what they shoutin', I'd rather not repeat (p. 76).

 ...I chose this passage because, it relates to what was said on page 74...calling Satchel Paige a name that should not be used.  But because of the time period and how the Jennings's twins felt towards Satchel Paige and other African Americans, the readers can develop an understanding of how they were portrayed.  Because Tuckwilla was unhappy with Satchel's behaviors in the game (chatting with players--paying no mind to the Tuckwilla team, whom they are beating), he continues to disregard the other team as equals, and takes what he says to extremes.  

     In regards to all of these passages, overall, it's not just us readers who seem to be rooting for the Satchel Paige All Stars.  This African American team came out on top--showing what they are capable of, especially upon Satchel Paige's powerful entrance to the game.  People seemed to enjoy the love of the game, and it didn't matter the color of the team.  This portion of the book demonstrates the impact this game made on everyone, even if it might have been just another random game to Satchel Paige (and perhaps his teammates).  We can see how Emmet felt following the game in my final passage...

 

5.  I thought hard about them Jennings twins, how it came to be that these men lorded over us, how do men so small get so large?  Who made it so?

You live under their rulin' for so long that you soon forget who you are, what you can be.

 (p. 83).

      I think this powerful passage and how just before, we see Emmet, Jr. and how upbeat and alive he is through watching this significant game and the impact it has made on his life (not to mention everyone else!).  By watching the African American team beat the Tuckwilla team, I can imagine that it gave him a new hope, a new perspective on life, and to think of the 'impossible'.  Emmet Wilson remembers who he once was, the impact now that he can also make on his son--and we end on him making a new connection with his son, and sharing the baseball that means so much in a variety of ways.

 

Overall, it wasn't easy to choose only five passages because this text surrounds a controversial topic throughout.  However, I think these demonstrate a good understanding of how racial segregation impacted the character's lives--and how we can imagine life must have been for them in this time period.  Although we lead different lives today, racism still tends to play a role in our lives and I think this book could lead many people to realize how African Americans were treated regardless of their success and willpower.  Many people stood up for what they could, and we, the readers, can develop a deeper understanding of what is really important.  I hope you have the time to check out this book :)