Welcome to Hall of Fame DNA
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Negro Leagues Baseball Hall of Famer Norman “Turkey” Stearnes
Vanessa Ivy Rose, granddaughter of Turkey Stearnes, is an award-winning ABC News podcast host, author, speaker, basketball coach, and educator. She founded Hall of Fame DNA to carry on her grandfather’s legacy. Vanessa truly believes we all are destined for greatness.
Vanessa has been featured on:
About Hall of Fame DNA
Norman “Turkey” Stearnes is a Negro Leagues legend and a National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2000). He is most well known for his time with the Detroit Stars, his home run hitting and his athleticism in centerfield. Stearnes was widely recognized as one of baseball’s greatest players during his career. Standing upon his shoulders, Vanessa Ivy Rose honors her grandfather’s legacy in her roles as an author, podcast host, storyteller, educator and basketball coach. In true Hall of Fame DNA style, she truly believes we all are destined for greatness.
ABC News Presents
Reclaimed: The Forgotten League
Host: Vanessa Ivy Rose
For decades, Black baseball players were excluded from the major leagues and forced to create their own space: the Negro Leagues. In “Reclaimed: The Forgotten League,” we’ll uncover the stories of some of these overlooked greats, including Turkey Stearnes, one of the best hitters of all time.
Vanessa Ivy Rose, granddaughter of Negro Leagues star Turkey Stearnes, brings us on a quest to excavate the stories and stats of Black players who were shut out of the major leagues, a legacy that still haunts the sport. The series includes interviews with family and friends of Turkey Stearnes, including a living Negro Leagues player; never-before-published audio of Stearnes himself; and interviews with leading historians.
Hall of Fame DNA:
The Legacy of Norman Turkey Stearnes
Author: Vanessa Ivy Rose
The story of Norman "Turkey" Stearnes is one of greatness hidden in plain sight. According to baseball statistics and four Hall of Fame inductions, he is one of the all-time greats, yet many people have never heard his name. In this sports biography and memoir fusion, Vanessa Ivy Rose gives the play-by-play. Written as a conversation with Turkey, she details what makes her grandfather an unforgettable legend, both on and off the field.
“It’s good to have a nickname in anything that you do. If you’re a good man, that’s what counts. If you’re a good man, they’ll carry it on.”
- Norman Thomas “Turkey” Stearnes
Notable News
The Indianapolis Indians paid tribute to the rich history of the Negro Leagues in Indianapolis with their 2024 Negro Leagues Night. Educational fact boards and podcast clips from "Reclaimed: The Forgotten League" educated fans in attendance about the legacy of the Negro Leagues and its players. Vanessa spoke to the team in the locker room, with each player playing in honor of a Negro Leagues player she selected. Vanessa also threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Detroit native and musician, Jack White, donated $10,000 towards the renovation and restoration of Norman Turkey Stearnes Field at Hamtramck Stadium. Jack and his Warstic Woodmen played a sandlot-style baseball game at Hamtramck Stadium. White, an avid baseball fan best known for fronting legendary Detroit garage-rock band the White Stripes, is part owner of Warstic, a Dallas-based sporting goods company founded by former professional baseball player Ben Jenkins.
Get in Touch
Interested in connecting with Vanessa for a speaking engagement, book talk and signing, interview, or other opportunity?
We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line at hofdna@gmail.com or fill out the form on this page.
Thank you for your interest in sharing the legacy of the Negro Leagues! ⚾
