Late in the year , he struck out Jackie Robinson , by then a rookie who was pinch - hitting for the Monarchs .
In his debut , he faced pitching legend Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Monarchs before a 40000 crowd in the original Yankee Stadium .
Late in the year , he struck out Jackie Robinson , by then a rookie who was pinch - hitting for the Kansas City Monarchs .
In his debut , he faced pitching legend Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Monarchs before a 40000 crowd in the original Yankee Stadium .