George Altman, one of several Black players signed to the Cubs by famed scout/coach Buck O’Neil, has died, aged 92.

Altman had two outstanding years for the Cubs, in 1961 and 1962. In 1961, he batted .303/.353/.560 with 27 home runs and played in both All-Star Games that year (for four years from 1959-62, MLB had two All-Star Games each season to help benefit the players’ pension fund). The following year, 1962, Altman hit ..318/.393/.511 with 22 home runs and played in the second of that year’s All-Star Games, held at Wrigley Field July 30.

After the 1962 season the Cubs traded Altman, Don Cardwell and Moe Thacker to the Cardinals for Larry Jackson, Lindy McDaniel and Jimmie Schaffer, a very good trade for the team.

For Altman, though, it was the beginning of a career decline. He was i

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