George Altman – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

George Altman’s name doesn’t always echo through baseball halls like some of his peers, but honestly, his journey from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball is a pretty remarkable chapter in the sport’s integration era. The 6-foot-4 outfielder wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1967 after nine seasons, picking up two All-Star appearances and then heading off for a successful run in Japanese baseball.

Altman was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina in 1933. He started his path to pro baseball with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1955, and Buck O’Neil helped him land a contract with the Chicago Cubs.

He played for several teams, including the Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Mets. His best years were 1961 and 1962, when he made the National League All-Star team.

What really sets Altman’s story apart is how his career stretched well beyond his 1967 MLB retirement. He put up solid stats, had some memorable games against legendary pitchers like Sandy Koufax, and opened doors in Japanese pro baseball. Honestly, his impact went far beyond just numbers.

George Altman’s Career Overview

George Lee Altman built a unique baseball career, moving from the Negro Leagues through Major League Baseball and then into Japanese professional baseball. Born in 1933 in Goldsboro, North Carolina, he became a skilled outfielder, earned All-Star recognition, and left his mark at every level.

Early Life and Background

George Lee Altman entered the world on March 20, 1933, in Goldsboro, North Carolina. His dad, Willie, worked as a tenant farmer and later fixed cars for a living. His mom, Clara, stayed home to raise the family.

George lost his mother when he was just four. He spent about a year living with his father’s sister before moving back in with his dad and new stepmother.

Even though his father didn’t care much about sports, George fell in love with athletics early on. He called himself a kid who “lived and breathed sports,” and he’d get upset when bad weather kept him inside.

He started at Dillard High School in 1947. Over four years, he played baseball, basketball, and football. His talent on the field and court earned him a place at Tennessee State University (then Tennessee A&I State University).

At Tennessee State, Altman focused first on basketball with coach John McLendon. He played four years, but a knee injury hurt his jumping ability. When the college started a baseball team in his junior year, Altman shifted his focus to the diamond.

Path to Professional Baseball

Altman’s professional journey started with an unexpected connection at Tennessee State. J.C. Kincaide, who managed athletics, also booked players for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League.

In 1955, Kincaide recommended Altman to the Monarchs after he graduated with a physical education degree. Altman had actually planned to coach basketball at Lemoyne College in Memphis.

The Kansas City Monarchs gave Altman his first shot at pro baseball under Buck O’Neil. He only played three months, but the experience was valuable. O’Neil taught him first base and showed him the ropes of the pro game.

Buck O’Neil put in a good word for Altman, and the Chicago Cubs signed him before the end of 1955. The Cubs brought in Altman, Lou Johnson, and J.C. Hartman as amateur free agents, paying Kansas City around $11,000 for all three.

Altman kicked off his minor league career in 1956 with the Burlington Bees in Iowa. He hit .263 with 16 homers and 67 RBIs in 121 games. After that season, the U.S. Army drafted him, and he served at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he kept playing ball and helped his team win the All-Army Championship.

Key Achievements and Milestones

Altman made his Major League Baseball debut on April 11, 1959, with the Chicago Cubs at age 26. He impressed the coaches during spring training and earned a roster spot, skipping what was supposed to be a year in Triple-A.

In his rookie year, he hit .245 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs in 135 games as the Cubs’ main center fielder. He got better as the season went on, hitting seven of his 12 home runs after August 13.

1961 was Altman’s breakout season. He hit .303 with 27 homers and 96 RBIs, and he led the National League with 12 triples. That year, he made his first All-Star Game.

In the 1961 All-Star Game at Candlestick Park, Altman created a memorable moment. He pinch-hit in the eighth inning and blasted a home run off Mike Fornieles, giving the National League a 3-1 lead. They ended up winning 5-4.

Altman made the All-Star team again in 1962, hitting .318 with 22 home runs and 74 RBIs. These two years were the high point of his MLB career before injuries slowed him down.

From 1959 to 1967, Altman played for the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals. He finished with a .269 batting average, 101 home runs, and 403 RBIs in 991 games.

After leaving Major League Baseball in 1967, Altman kept playing in Japan from 1968 to 1975. He hit 205 home runs there before finally retiring at age 42.

Major League Baseball Career

George Altman spent nine seasons in Major League Baseball from 1959 to 1967. He played as an outfielder and sometimes at first base, earning National League All-Star honors in 1961 and 1962 with the Cubs and hitting 101 home runs in his MLB career.

Chicago Cubs Years

Altman debuted with the Chicago Cubs on April 11, 1959, at age 26. He made the jump straight from Class A to the majors after a standout spring.

In his first year, he batted .245 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs in 135 games as the Cubs’ main center fielder. Seven of those homers came after August 13, including a clutch two-run shot to end a game against the San Francisco Giants on September 22.

The 1961 season was really his coming-out party. He hit .303 with 27 homers and 96 RBIs, leading the league with 12 triples. He also made a splash in the All-Star Game at Candlestick Park, pinch-hitting a home run off Mike Fornieles in the eighth.

Altman’s best season came in 1962. He posted a .318 average with 22 home runs and 74 RBIs, earning another All-Star nod. On August 4 at the Los Angeles Coliseum, he hit two home runs off Sandy Koufax. Not a bad day at the office.

St. Louis Cardinals Contributions

The Cubs traded Altman to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963. He joined a much more competitive team than the Cubs.

With the Cardinals, Altman kept showing off his power. He played with future Hall of Famers and contributed to a more successful environment than he’d seen in Chicago.

The Cardinals used Altman all over the outfield. His experience and leadership mattered in the St. Louis clubhouse.

New York Mets Experience

Altman joined the New York Mets in 1964, getting involved in the early days of the young franchise. The Mets were still building and needed veterans to help the younger guys.

His time with the Mets was short but had an impact. Altman brought All-Star experience to a team still trying to find its place in the league.

After New York, Altman went back to the Cubs in 1965 and finished his MLB career in 1967. He only played 15 games in his final season.

Notable Games and Highlights

George Altman’s career included big moments in two All-Star Games, in 1961 and 1962. He hit memorable home runs throughout his nine years, and his outfield defense helped his teams in some crucial spots.

All-Star Game Performances

Altman made the National League All-Star team in both 1961 and 1962 with the Cubs. These back-to-back honors really marked the peak of his career.

In the 1961 All-Star Game, Altman joined teammate Ernie Banks on the National League squad. The game featured the best from both leagues, with Altman competing alongside stars like Roberto Clemente.

He returned for the 1962 All-Star Game, again representing the Cubs. He faced American League pitchers like Mike Fornieles. These appearances showed just how steady Altman was with the bat during his best years.

Altman’s All-Star selections came when he was one of the Cubs’ most reliable hitters. The recognition put him among the top outfielders in the National League at the time.

Memorable Home Runs

Altman swung left-handed and packed a lot of power. His home run numbers peaked during his time with the Cubs from 1959 to 1962.

His 1961 season, with 27 home runs, really stands out. That year, he established himself as a legitimate power threat in the Cubs’ lineup. He drove in runs and became a key part of the batting order.

Altman consistently faced top National League pitchers, including legends like Sandy Koufax. He didn’t shy away from the challenge.

Even after leaving Chicago, Altman kept hitting home runs with the Cardinals and Mets in 1963 and 1964.

Impactful Defensive Plays

As an outfielder, Altman gave his teams solid defense. His arm and range helped him earn regular playing time.

Altman’s defense balanced out his offense. He could play all over the outfield, giving managers more options. This versatility helped him stick around in the big leagues.

He made some important defensive plays in tight games. Altman’s ability to track down fly balls and make strong throws helped his teams hold on to victories.

The mix of power at the plate and reliable defense made him a well-rounded player. His last season in 1967 wrapped up a career that lasted nearly a decade in the majors.

Statistics and Records

George Altman finished his MLB career with a .269 batting average, 101 home runs, and 403 RBIs over nine seasons from 1959 to 1967. He hit his peak in the early 1960s with the Cubs, making the All-Star team and putting up career-high numbers.

MLB Career Stats

Altman played 991 games in his nine years in the majors. He collected 832 hits and scored 409 runs while playing for three teams.

His career numbers also include a .329 on-base percentage and a .432 slugging percentage. That gave him an OPS of .761, which was 6% better than the league average back then.

Key Career Totals:

• Games: 991
• Hits: 832
• Home runs: 101
• RBIs: 403
• Runs: 409
• Strikeouts: 572
• Walks: 268

Altman spent most of his career with the Chicago Cubs, playing 732 games over seven seasons. He also suited up for the St. Louis Cardinals (135 games) and New York Mets (124 games).

Seasonal Performance Insights

Altman’s best years were 1961 and 1962 with the Cubs. In 1961, he batted .303 with 27 home runs and 96 RBIs, made the All-Star team, and finished 14th in MVP voting.

His 1962 season was just as strong. He hit .318 with 22 home runs and 74 RBIs, earning another All-Star spot.

The 1961 season was his top year for power. He led the league with 12 triples, showing off his speed too.

His last season in 1967 was short—just 15 games. He batted .111 in 18 at-bats before retiring at age 34.

Achievements in Batting and RBIs

Altman picked up two All-Star selections in 1961 and 1962. In 1961, he drove in 96 runs, which turned out to be his best single-season RBI total.

He managed to knock in 90 or more runs on two occasions. Over his nine-year career, he racked up 403 career RBIs, which averages out to about 45 per season.

Notable Achievements:

• Two-time All-Star (1961, 1962)
• Led NL in triples (12 in 1961)
• MVP consideration (14th place in 1961)
• Career-high .318 batting average (1962)

People called him “Big George,” and it fit—he stood 6-foot-4 and always seemed to come through with runners on base. Altman never won a World Series, since he played for squads that just couldn’t get to the postseason.

International and Post-MLB Career

After he wrapped up his Major League Baseball days in 1967, George Altman found new life in Japanese professional baseball. He played eight seasons there and became one of the most productive foreign players in league history.

Switching from the American game to Japan wasn’t easy, but he made it work and contributed a lot both on and off the field.

Japanese Baseball Success

Altman signed with the Lotte Orions in 1968, kicking off a memorable run in Japanese baseball. Over those eight seasons, from 1968 to 1975, he put up numbers that really highlighted his staying power.

He hit .309 in Japan and smashed 205 home runs while playing for the Lotte Orions and later the Hanshin Tigers. Those stats showed just how well he adapted his swing to Japanese pitching and the unique ballparks there.

He hit more than twice as many home runs in Japan (205) as he did in MLB (101). That kind of power made him a feared hitter among foreign players in Japan during the late ’60s and early ’70s.

Even as he got older, Altman stayed consistent. He kept producing at a high level up to age 42, which says a lot about his durability and love for the game.

Transition From MLB

Altman’s move to Japan marked a huge shift in his career. After his last MLB season in 1967, he decided to keep playing professionally overseas instead of hanging up his cleats.

He knew he had to adapt culturally to succeed. Altman dove into Japanese baseball culture and worked hard to figure out the differences in playing style, training, and team dynamics compared to what he knew in America.

The physical side of things took some getting used to. Japanese baseball used different balls, sometimes smaller parks, and umpires called the strike zone a bit differently. Altman adjusted his approach at the plate to handle it.

His age was a factor. He was in his mid-30s when he arrived in Japan, but his experience and attitude helped him thrive, even when younger players might have struggled with such a big change.

Contributions Beyond Playing

Altman’s influence stretched far beyond his on-field stats. His professionalism and work ethic helped American players earn respect in Japanese baseball.

After he retired from baseball in 1975, Altman jumped into business. He worked with Prepaid Legal Services and later at the Chicago Board of Trade, showing he could succeed off the field too.

Altman’s baseball story inspired others. His success in Japan encouraged more American players to see Japanese baseball as a real career option, helping to build a stronger international connection between the two leagues.

He played until age 42 across two countries. That kind of longevity and passion for the sport is rare, and it set him apart.

Legacy and Influence

George Altman’s impact on baseball went way beyond his stats. He drew strength from mentors who guided him and stayed committed to breaking racial barriers. His work in community service and youth development left a mark that’s still felt today.

Mentors and Influences

Buck O’Neil made a huge difference in Altman’s life. The legendary Kansas City Monarchs manager taught Altman how to play first base during his brief time in the Negro Leagues in 1955.

“Buck taught me all of the moves around the bag when receiving the throws from the infielders,” Altman once said. O’Neil’s advice wasn’t just about baseball—it was about pushing through and carrying yourself with dignity.

O’Neil vouched for Altman, which led to his signing with the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs picked up Altman, Lou Johnson, and J.C. Hartman together because of O’Neil’s recommendation. That move shows how Negro League veterans helped open doors for Black players coming up behind them.

At Tennessee A&I State University, basketball coach John McLendon shaped Altman’s discipline as an athlete. McLendon, who became the first African-American head coach in professional sports, stressed the importance of conditioning and paying attention to the little things.

Role in Breaking Barriers

Altman played a part in breaking down racial barriers in both American and international baseball. When he married Raquel DeCastro, a fair-skinned Hispanic woman, in 1959, it challenged a lot of social norms in America.

“We heard about that a lot in the United States,” Altman said about the reactions to their interracial marriage. That kind of personal courage matched his role in pushing for integration in sports.

He found major success in Japan from 1968-1975, hitting 205 home runs and proving that American players could adjust to different styles of play.

Altman helped build the bridge between American and Japanese baseball. His eight seasons in Japan showed that, with respect and dedication, players could break through cultural barriers and find success.

Community Involvement

After he retired from baseball at 42, Altman threw himself into community service and helping young people. He spent a lot of time volunteering with the Boys Foundation, where he focused on mentoring kids.

He brought the same values he picked up from Buck O’Neil into his work with youth programs. Altman showed kids what discipline, respect, and perseverance could do for them, especially through sports.

Once his baseball days ended, Altman took a job at the Chicago Board of Trade. Not long after, he started his own prepaid legal services company.

Running a successful business gave him more ways to give back to his community. Altman really believed his background as a pro athlete meant he should help others find their own success.