Baseball History: Oscar Charleston Passes Away

Oscar Charleston was one of the greatest players in baseball history, let alone in the storied history of the Negro Leagues. On this day in 1954, he passed away just days after falling down a flight of stairs.

When we think of the greatest players in baseball history, our thoughts typically turn to the major leagues. Players like Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, and Babe Ruth still capture the imagination decades after their last games. Negro League legend Oscar Charleston was the equal of those all time greats, one of the best players to never appear in the majors.

Like Ruth, Charleston was a fan favorite, a larger than life figure whose exploits were instantly legendary. Perhaps it was due to his highly combative and intense presence in the minors, or his extreme intelligence, but Charleston was a beloved figure. Unfortunately, like Ruth, Charleston died far too soon, passing away on this day in 1954 after he suffered a stroke and fell down a flight of stairs.

Charleston made an immediate impact as a professional player. His baseball career actually began in the military, as he was a standout in his regiment. Interestingly, he started out as a pitcher, dominating the players he faced in the military. Following his service in the Philippines, he began his career with the Indianapolis ABC’s in 1915.

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That began a 35 year career in professional baseball. He became renowned as a fearsome hitter, a player who Dizzy Dean said did not have a weakness. Charleston could hit for power and made excellent contact, while possessing incredible speed. He was also an excellent center fielder, and eventually moved to left and first as he aged. Yet, regardless of where he played, Charleston’s glove was superb.

He also preformed well against white All Star teams. In 53 games, he slugged 11 homers and posted a .318 batting average. Although that is a small sample size, Charleston proved that he could play against the best, regardless of race.

Charleston also had a hand in integration. Branch Rickey utilized him as a scout in the Negro Leagues, helping the Dodgers gain an advantage when it came to signing the top talent that the league had to offer. It was due to Charleston that Roy Campanella went to Brooklyn, and his fingerprints were all over the Dodgers roster.

His temper was also legendary. He once knocked out an umpire while coming to the defense of a teammate in an exhibition against white players, nearly causing a race riot. Charleston also allegedly ripped the hood of a member of the KKK after being confronted, making it clear that he did not fear anyone. Those moments only added to his legacy, and his stature within the game.

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Oscar Charleston was one of the top players in baseball history, regardless of where he played. Unfortunately, on this day in 1954, he passed away far too soon.