“One of the greatest hitters we ever had. He was as good as Josh [Gibson]. He was as good as anybody who ever played ball. ” – Satchel Paige on Turkey Stearnes
When the greatest pitcher of the Negro Leagues says that about a player, that’s good enough for me.
A 5-tool player, Turkey Stearns patrolled CF for several teams, most notably the Detroit Stars. Over his 20 year career, Stearnes batted over .350 several times and outslugged Josh Gibson several times as well (according to available stats).
By all accounts Stearnes was one of the 10 greatest Negro Leaguers, and for the, he is an Immortal.
