The fact is that I could not overcome my temper as often times ball players can not. . . . I consider the incident highly unwise. . . I am aware of the fact that some one has said that they presume I am actuated by mania, but my mind teaches me to judge not, for fear you may be judged. - Charleston in a letter of public apology after fighting with an umpire in 1915.

Some people asked me, 'Why are you playing so close to the right field foul line?' What they didn't know was that Charleston covered all three fields and my responsibility was to make sure of balls down the line and those in foul territory.

— Dave Malarcher

To this day I will always claim that Willie Mays was the greatest major league player I have ever seen. . . but then I pause and say that Oscar Charleston was even better. - Buck O'Neill

Charley was always ready to fight. He didn't smoke. He didn't drink. But he loved a good fight… when there was a fight and I was on the opposing team, I made sure I knew where Charleston was. I wanted no part of him. I wasn't the only one…. everybody except Josh Gibson was afraid of him - Ted Page