Remembering Oscar Charleston

Today marks 71 years since the death of Oscar Charleston, whose brilliant – if often overlooked – Hall of Fame career includes four seasons as the center fielder of the Harrisburg Giants from 1924-27.

Charleston, who is only 57 years old when he passes away in 1954 after falling down a flight of steps in Philadelphia, is elected to the Hall of Fame in 1976.

During his four seasons in Harrisburg, Charleston plays with Rap Dixon and Fats Jenkins in an outfield that some historians consider one of the best in history, no matter the color.

Over those four seasons with Harrisburg, Charleston hits .391 in 242 games with 58 home runs, 77 doubles, 16 triples, 82 stolen bases and 277 runs batted in.

His OPS with a stunning 1.203 based on his .489 on-base percentage and .714 slugging percentage.

His career batting average of .365 is second in history only behind Ty Cobb’s .366 average.

“Oscar Charleston could have played on any big league team in history if he had been given the opportunity,” says Honus Wagner, the longtime Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop who later becomes a member of the Hall of Fame’s inaugural Class of ’36.

“He could hit, run and throw,” Wagner says. “He did everything a great outfielder was supposed to do. I’ve seen all the great players in the many years I’ve been around and have yet to see one any greater than Charleston.”

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