Oscar Charleston
| Birthdate | 10/14/1896 |
| Death Date | 10/5/1954 |
| Debut Year | 1915 |
| Year of Induction | 1976 |
| Teams | Negro Leagues |
| Positions | Center Field, Manager |
Oscar Charleston was player-manager of the 1932 Pittsburgh Crawfords, a team that included Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, and Judy Johnson.
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Buck O'Neil lists Oscar Charleston on his All Time Negro League team
Buck O'Neil lists Oscar Charleston on his All Time Negro League team
Hall of Fame voters recognized Oscar Charleston as one of the greatest to play the game. The legendary Buck O’Neil also lists Charleston as the centerfielder on his All Time Negro League All Star team.
According to Baseball Reference, Charleston’s career numbers include a .364 average, .449 on-base percentage and a .615 slugging mark. The record shows averages of .433, .405, and .427 in 1921, ’24, and ’25 respectively.
A quick glance at O’Neil’s list finds it peppered with other Hall of Fame players. O’Neil lists Satchel Paige has the best right-hander and Willie Foster as the best southpaw. Calling those pitches on O’Neil’s squad is the immortal Josh Gibson.
Second baseman Newt Allen is the only choice who remains outside of Cooperstown. O’Neil tabs Buck Leonard at first base, Willie Wells at shortstop, Ray Dandridge at third. Cool Papa Bell if in left while Willard Brown is in right.
Negro Leaguer Oscar Charleston was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1976
Negro Leaguer Oscar Charleston was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1976
Born in 1896, Oscar Charleston joined the US Army at age 15 and served in the Philippines. Immediately after returning to the USA in 1915, Charleston began his Negro League career.
Along the way he would become one of the greatest hitters and center fielders the game has ever known. Bill James ranks him as the fourth best baseball player of all time.
Charleston was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1976.
One of the greatest players in any league.