Never before in paperback: A New York Times Notable Book--the life and times of the first Negro League star inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.. Some say Satchel Paige was the greatest pitcher everand and certainly his dazzling record of perhaps as many as 2,000 wins, first in the Negro Leagues and then in the integrated major leagues, ranks as one of the most remarkable athletic feats of the century. He also became famous for the advice he freely offered others, including the now legendary Don't look back, something might be gaining on you. Mark Ribowsky gives the best picture yet of life in the Negro Leagues as he brings to life a man whose act as a lovable eccentric with a golden arm masked a decidedly darker side as womanizer, hard drinker, and contract jumper always on the lookout for number one.