On February 9, 1971 — Satchel Paige becomes the first Negro League star selected to the Hall of Fame. The right-hander, the oldest player in the majors to make his big league debut, became a legend during his professional career, which lasted from the 1920s until 1965, playing in several different Negro Leagues and with the Indians, Browns, and A’s.

On June 10 the Hall’s new Special Committee on the Negro Leagues will formally select Paige for induction.