Difficult choice between Charleston and Turkey Stearnes: Oscar’s peak (four seasons with an OPS+ above 200) just edged it for me. But to quote Jack, “These are the two best centerfielders in Negro League History... [and would have] dominated in the 1920’s & 30’s had they been allowed to play in MLB. They both have the statistical resumes (on a rate basis) to go toe to toe with anyone on these lists... Charleston and Stearns are RIGHT THERE with them, They really were just as great.” In Charleston’s case, that’s a seven-year period (1921-27), during which he posted a line of .
The All-Time MLB Team, center field: nominees and ballot
