The top center fielder in Negro League
history, Charleston was often cited as the "Black Cobb"
due to his aggressive play and base running ability. Not only
did he hit for average (over .350 for his career), but he hit
for power with an average of 28 homers a year. Considered by a
number of baseball historians to be the best of the Negro League
players, Charleston was elected to Cooperstown's Hall of Fame
in 1976. |