Norman Thomas Stearnes, commonly known as "Turkey," was born on August 5, 1901 in Nashville, Tennessee. He began his professional baseball career in 1920, playing for various teams in the African-American baseball leagues of the 1920s.
Stearnes played for teams such as the Nashville Giants, Detroit Stars, and Kansas City Monarchs during his career. He quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional talent on the field, earning him the nickname "Turkey" due to his unique running style.
Throughout his career, Stearnes played a total of 984 games and hit an impressive 186 home runs. His skill and dedication to the sport solidified his place as one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
In 2000, Norman Thomas Stearnes was rightfully inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, honoring his contributions to the sport. His impact on the game was recognized by baseball historian Bill James, who ranked him as the 25th greatest baseball player of all time in 2001.
Off the field, Stearnes was a family man. He married a woman named Nettie Mae, who supported him throughout his career. His dedication to both his family and his passion for baseball was evident in everything he did.
Norman Thomas Stearnes will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of professional baseball, paving the way for future generations of African-American athletes. His legacy lives on through his remarkable achievements on the field and his enduring impact on the sport he loved.
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