Turkey Stearnes
| Birthdate | 5/8/1901 |
| Death Date | 9/4/1979 |
| Debut Year | 1923 |
| Year of Induction | 2000 |
| Teams | Negro Leagues |
| Position | Center Field |
One of 9 Negro Leaguers to hit at least 100 homers, Turkey Stearnes is considered by many as one of the greatest all-around players in the history of the game.
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Negro Leaguer Turkey Stearnes was a 5-tool player
Negro Leaguer Turkey Stearnes was a 5-tool player
Norman “Turkey” Stearnes is credited with 186 home runs during Negro League play, among the most in the league’s history. A .349 lifetime hitter, Stearnes led the league in homers in seven seasons.
He earned two National Negro League batting titles as a member of the Detroit Stars in 1929 and 1931. BaseballReference.com also credits the left-handed Stearnes with leading his league in triples six times, and RBI twice.
Stearnes was bold and aggressive on the playing field. The versatile performer was a fleet-footed centerfielder and base stealer. He was the quintessential 5-tool player.
According to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cool Papa Bell concurs.
“That man could hit the ball as far as anybody,” Bell said. “And he was one of our best all-around players. He could field, he could hit, he could run. He had plenty of power.”
Stearnes played 18 seasons from 1923-1940, suiting up for the Stars, Chicago American Giants, Philadelphia Stars, and the Kansas City Monarchs. In addition to his .349 lifetime average, Stearnes career stats include a .417 on-base percentage, a .617 slugging mark, and a 177 OPS+.
Because of his race and quiet nature, Stearnes remains largely forgotten by baseball historians. The Veterans Committee selected Strearnes, skipper Sparky Anderson, and infielder Bid McPhee in 2000. They were inducted into Cooperstown later that summer along with writers choices Tony Perez and Carlton Fisk.
In the collection is this 3×5 index card in which the center fielder has written, “Turkey Strearnes centerfielder of the Detroit Stars”.
In the offseason Stearnes played against MLB stars to augment his income
In the offseason Stearnes played against MLB stars to augment his income
Despite the color barrier, Negro Leaguers often faced off against their MLB counterparts. These contests took place in the off-season and helped augment the income of the players involved.
Shown here is a lineup of Negro League stars called the Philadelphia Royal Giants. They squared off against Dizzy Dean’s All Stars on October 31, 1935. Satchel Paige started the game against a star-studded lineup.
Hall of Famer Arky Vaugnan played shortstop while NL home run champion and four-time All Star Wally Berger hit behind him in the cleanup spot. Dolph Camilli who won the 1941 NL Most Valuable Player Award played first and Cooperstown hurler Dean got the start on the hill.
Ole Diz faced a batting order that included three men who went on to get their Cooperstown plaques: Turkey Stearnes, Mule Suttles, and Biz Mackey. The Cardinals hurler went 7 innings, giving up five hits and a pair of runs.
Stearnes reached base on an error and went 0-for-3 with a walk. He also scored two runs.
Satchel struck out 7, allowed two runs on two hits, and left with a no-decision after four innings. The MLB crew pushed across three more runs off of Chet Brewer to gain a 5-4 victory.
Five men have adorned their signatures to the lineup including Paige, Vaughan, Camilli, Berger, and Tuck Stainback.
Very informative. Thank you.