5. Turkey Stearns
Turkey Stearns was known for his eccentricities, such as his tendency to talk to his bats. Considering he was one of the best hitters in the history of the Negro Leagues, whatever worked, right?
Stearns had quite a relationship with the tools of his trade. He would have bats of different sizes that he would use depending on the situation. He would praise bats that performed well, while yelling at those that failed him. There are stories of Stearns threatening to take an axe to one bat that particularly displeased him with its performance.
No one could question the results. Stearns was known for his all around ability on offense, a great contact hitter with power, and excellent speed on the basepaths. It is thought that he may have had the most homers in the history of the Negro Leagues, a testament to his consistency and longevity in the game.
He was also a great defensive player. Considered the fastest player in Negro Leagues history, excluding Cool Papa Bell, he was capable of running down virtually anything hit to center. Stearns was a true five tool player, someone who was one of the greatest power hitters of his time, and a brilliant defensive outfielder as well.
It took far too long for Turkey Stearns to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, as he was enshrined in 2000. Sadly, his bats were unavailable to give the speech.