In 1969, a committee on baseball records determined which leagues, other than the American and National Leagues, should qualify as “major leagues.” Only four additional leagues were deemed major, none existing after 1915. Notably excluded were the Negro Leagues of the 20th century, which were segregated from white leagues until Jackie Robinson integrated MLB in 1947. In December 2020, MLB corrected this oversight by officially recognizing the Negro Leagues as major leagues and integrating their records into official canon, a long overdue correction to historical inaccuracies.
The inclusion of Negro League statistics into the official MLB record was a significant task as many games were poorly scored or not scored at all, leaving players’ statistical records incomplete. The decision to include players such as Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, and others alongside legends like Babe Ruth required careful consideration and historical rectification. After years of segregation, the question was not if but when these iconic players from the Negro Leagues would receive the recognition they deserved. The official inclusion of Negro League statistics into major league historical records is set to take place on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in baseball history.
USA Today reported that following the integration of Negro League stats, Josh Gibson now holds numerous all-time records in MLB, surpassing legends like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth in categories such as batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS. This recognition elevates players like Gibson to the status of some of the greatest of all time, highlighting their outstanding achievements in the Negro Leagues. These statistics are not just data from a separate league but are now considered major league baseball stats, underscoring the significance of the long-awaited integration of the Negro Leagues into official MLB records.
The new stats from Negro League games span from 1920 to 1948, featuring notable changes such as Gibson’s all-time leading slugging percentage and batting average, as well as Paige’s impressive ERA. Additionally, Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson’s career totals have been adjusted to reflect their contributions in the Negro Leagues, providing a more complete picture of their illustrious careers. The recognition of these players’ accomplishments in both the Negro Leagues and the MLB further solidifies their place in baseball history and honors their legacy as trailblazers in the sport.
As new statistics are uncovered and incorporated into historical records, more changes are expected to occur, deepening our understanding of the contributions of players from the Negro Leagues. For example, Gibson’s career home run total is expected to increase with the addition of stats from Negro League games, shedding light on the incredible achievements of these players. The ongoing efforts to preserve and recognize the history of the Negro Leagues in baseball highlight the importance of inclusivity and equality in sports, ensuring that the legacy of these players is properly celebrated and honored.
