George Altman’s passing at 92 marks the end of one of baseball’s more intriguing, and honestly underrated, stories. His journey spanned from Negro Leagues fame with the Kansas City Monarchs to All-Star moments at Wrigley Field, and a powerful second act in Japan.
This article takes a look at Altman’s path through three professional leagues. His resilience through injuries and illness, and the legacy he leaves as a pioneering, multi-sport talent, are worth remembering.
From Tennessee State to the Kansas City Monarchs
Before he ever wore a major league uniform, George Altman was already a standout athlete. At Tennessee State University, he excelled in two sports, showing off the speed, strength, and versatility that would define his pro career.
In 1955, Altman kicked off his pro baseball journey with the legendary Kansas City Monarchs. Playing for the Monarchs put him in the company of greats who helped bridge the gap from segregated baseball to the integrated game we know now.
Buck O’Neil’s Eye for Talent
Altman’s route to the big leagues crossed paths with Buck O’Neil, the Hall of Famer and one of the most respected baseball men of his era. O’Neil spotted Altman’s talent and recommended him to the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs signed Altman in 1956, setting the stage for his rise to Wrigley Field. Military service briefly interrupted his progress, which was pretty common back then, but it only delayed what was coming next.
Chicago Cubs Debut and Early All-Star Stardom
Altman broke into the majors with the Chicago Cubs in 1959. The team wasted no time showing faith in him—he started in center field on Opening Day, a clear sign of his talent and the expectations around him.
He brought a modern skill set: left-handed power, speed, and serious range in the outfield. That kind of player would fit right in today, honestly.
The Breakout: Altman’s 1961 Power Surge
The 1961 season stands out as the highlight of Altman’s MLB run. That year, he put together a true all-around show:
Altman’s mix of average, power, and extra-base pop made him one of the National League’s most dangerous outfielders. His All-Star nods really say it all about how much his peers and fans respected him.
Trades, Injuries, and the Fight to Stay on the Field
After his top years in Chicago, Altman’s career took a few turns. A trade to the St. Louis Cardinals brought new opportunities but also some tough challenges.
Injuries started to chip away at his production and consistency, slowing the momentum he’d built during his prime. He later played for the New York Mets and eventually returned to the Cubs, chasing the form that once made him a star at Wrigley.
He didn’t quite match his early-’60s numbers in the majors after that, but his story didn’t end there.
Reinventing Himself in Japan
Altman’s move to Nippon Professional Baseball turned out to be a brilliant call. In Japan, he found new life and became one of the league’s top power hitters:
At a time when few Americans played overseas, Altman showed that elite talent could travel and thrive in a new baseball culture. His success in Japan adds a huge chapter to his story and really highlights his ability to adapt and excel.
Off the Field: Beating Cancer and Building a Second Career
Altman’s resilience wasn’t just about what he did on the field. In 1974, he faced down colon cancer and beat it—a personal win that says a lot about his determination.
After retiring from baseball, Altman managed something a lot of athletes struggle with: he built a new life away from sports. He worked as a commodities trader in Chicago, bringing the same focus he had on the diamond, before retiring near St. Louis.
Career Numbers and Lasting Impact
Altman’s MLB stat line only tells part of the story, but it’s still impressive:
Combined with his accomplishments in the Negro Leagues and in Japan, Altman put together a truly global baseball résumé. His legacy stretches across three professional leagues, multiple continents, and several eras of the sport.
Remembering George Altman’s Place in Baseball History
George Altman might not be the first name that comes up when folks talk about baseball legends. Still, for those who really dig into the sport, his career shows off versatility, perseverance, and quiet excellence.
He started out at Tennessee State, then played for the Kansas City Monarchs. Later, he made his mark in All-Star Games at Wrigley and put on power displays in Japan.
Altman’s journey runs through the Negro Leagues, MLB, and NPB. His story stretches way beyond just numbers on a stat sheet.
Here is the source article for this story: George Altman Passes Away
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