Satchel Paige was the most notable pitcher of the Negro Leagues, but according to historians, Bill Foster deserves to be included in the conversation as the best.
The half-brother of Rube Foster, considered by many to be the founder of the Negro Leagues, Bill Foster is perhaps the best left-hander in league history, posting dazzling numbers during a 15-year career from 1923-37.
The 1926 season was arguably his best, according to historian James A. Riley. Foster was a member of the Chicago American Giants that year, and during one stretch, he won 26 consecutive games against all levels of competition. Foster even won both ends of a doubleheader to help the Giants win the Negro National League title.
Foster would later face the Bacharach Giants in the World Series. He pitched three complete games, came out of the bullpen in one other game and had a 1.27 ERA, according to Riley.
Foster was just as good the following year, going 21-3 against Negro Leagues competition. For the second year in a row, Foster showed that he would do anything for the Chicago American Giants in the World Series. He pitched two complete games and came out of the bullpen twice.
Foster spent time with the Memphis Red Sox, Birmingham Black Barons, Homestead Grays, Kansas City Monarchs, Coles American Giants and Pittsburgh Crawfords. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.