One legend works as a rising star rests

The seemingly ageless Satchel Paige pitches in his final pro game 59 years ago today, allowing two runs while working the first two innings for the Peninsula Grays in their Class A Carolina League game against the Greensboro Yankees.

Paige is just a couple of weeks shy of his 60th birthday when he works his final game.

Among those watching from the bench on this night in 1966 is Peninsula’s regular catcher who is getting the day off – an 18-year-old, second-year pro named Johnny Bench.

The two – Paige and Bench – eventually earn well-deserved spots in baseball’s Hall of Fame with Paige being elected in 1971 and Bench in 1989.