Born May 8, 1901 in Nashville, Tennessee, Norman
Thomas “Turkey” Stearnes did not have the typical built of a home run
hitter. But the 6 feet, 175 pound left
handed hitting center fielder swung with such power he became one of the most
prolific sluggers in Negro League baseball during his career (1920 – 1940). Stearnes was the league leading home run
hitter a reportedly six times.
While running, Stearnes’ head bobbed up and down,
his neck stretched, and his arms flailed. Someone said he looked like a “wild
turkey” and the nickname stuck with him throughout his career. But, he was an excellent fielder with base
stealing speed.
Also, he had an unorthodox batting stance in
which he pointed his front foot towards the pitcher with the heel down and toes
up. He looked awkward standing at home
plate, but it proved productive for him and nightmarish for pitchers. Stearnes
was the marquee player for the Detroit Stars (1923 – 1931, 1933, and
1937). But, he also played for other teams including the New York
Lincolns (1930), Cole’s (Chicago) American Giants (1932 - 1935), and the Kansas
City Monarchs (1938 – 1941).
Stearnes received the most votes from fans for
the first Negro League East - West All Star Game in 1933 and he got two hits in
the contest. The yearly game became the
national showcase for Negro League baseball and Stearnes was chosen by fans to
play in it five times; 1933, 1934, 1935, 1937, and 1939.
He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall
of Fame in 2000.
At the
front of what current Major League baseball stadium is there a statue of Turkey
Stearnes?
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