St. Louis American sports editor Earl Austin Jr. has created much interest in the past two weeks with his African-American Major League All-Star Teams. So much so that the publication of these All-Star teams will become a weekly series through the month of August. Following the conclusion of his MLB teams this week, Earl has also put together his historical African-American All-Star teams for the Negro Leagues, National Football League, National Basketball Association and Black College Football. Hope you enjoy the ride.
Here is Earl’s Major League Baseball All-Star Third Team. Let the arguments continue.
First Base: Eddie Murray – One of the great switch-hitters of all time with more than 3,000 hits and 500 home runs.
Second Base: Lou Whitaker – Very underrated performer who was a staple in Motown for several years.
Shortstop: Derek Jeter – The face of the Yankee franchise through the beginning of the 21st century.
Third Base: Terry Pendleton – Former Redbird and Brave won a MVP award and was a stalwart on four pennant-winning teams.
Left Field: Lou Brock – One of the great base stealers of all time. Also a member of the 3,000-hit club.
Center Field: Andre Dawson – “The Hawk” belongs in the Hall of Fame. He could do it all.
Right Field: Reggie Jackson – “Mr. October” hit some of the most dramatic home runs in the history of the game.
Catcher: Charles Johnson – A great defensive catcher who won four Gold Gloves and played in two All-Star games.
Pitcher: Ferguson Jenkins – Hall of Fame righty who had 384 wins and 3,192 strikeouts in his great career.
