Hall of Fame Professional Baseball Player. He played professionally for 33 years for the Indianapolis ABCs, Chicago American Giants, Homestead Grays, and several other Negro League teams. Charleston started out as a pitcher-outfielder while serving with the US 24th Infantry Division in the Philippines, and after World War I he played in the Cuban winter leagues against many Major League ballplayers. He hit five home runs in a five-game exhibition series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Over his career he amassed a record of playing in over 1,000 games and a batting average near 350. Charleston retired from baseball in 1945 and worked as a baggage handler for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Indianapolis; he returned to the sport in 1954 to manage the Indianapolis Clowns team, but died from a heart attack following the end of that season. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976.

Hall of Fame Professional Baseball Player. He played professionally for 33 years for the Indianapolis ABCs, Chicago American Giants, Homestead Grays, and several other Negro League teams. Charleston started out as a pitcher-outfielder while serving with the US 24th Infantry Division in the Philippines, and after World War I he played in the Cuban winter leagues against many Major League ballplayers. He hit five home runs in a five-game exhibition series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Over his career he amassed a record of playing in over 1,000 games and a batting average near 350. Charleston retired from baseball in 1945 and worked as a baggage handler for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Indianapolis; he returned to the sport in 1954 to manage the Indianapolis Clowns team, but died from a heart attack following the end of that season. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976.

Bio by: Rick France