View Full Version : Turkey Stearnes Gets Plaque in Detroit
2Chance
07-23-2007, 04:14 AM
The Detroit Tigers website (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070720&content_id=2098553&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det) says that they honored Turkey Stearnes of the Detroit Stars with a plaque during Negro Leagues weekend.
The plaque will be near Comerica Park's Gate C, where the statues are in left field.
hellborn
07-23-2007, 10:43 AM
Great news!
Stearnes has been fascinating to me since I started learning about the Negro Leagues in earnest. Had a fantastic stick by all accounts, and I believe that Cool Papa was quoted as saying the Turkey was one of the best fly ball men of his time. Another player from his time said that "he had a stance worse than Musial's", which makes me really want to see a photo of it (probably a tall order). It may have been Bell who said that if Turkey Stearnes wasn't a HOFer, then nobody should be in there. Not a big man at all, but he had great big power. Seems like he was a quiet, dignified person, and a real gentleman.
I used to wear a Detroit Stars cap in honor of Stearnes, but it disappeared years ago.
I'll have to find the plaque next time I'm at Comerica.
2Chance
07-24-2007, 05:27 AM
I think they attributed a quote to Cool Papa, "If they don't put him in, they should take me out."
I read in his biography that he has more career home runs than Oscar Charleston and more scareer tolen bases than Cool Papa Bell.
2Chance
08-06-2007, 07:12 AM
a better look at his plaque
It is actually on the outside of the stadium. Thanks to the security guy who let me out to take this picture, and watched for me to let me back in!