CHICAGO, IL – In a significant development that marks a long-awaited milestone, Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced its decision to include the statistics of the Negro Leagues from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s into its official record books.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that this initiative aims to ensure that future generations of fans have access to the statistics and achievements of all those who contributed to the success of the Negro Leagues. The decision comes after decades of exclusion of Black players from MLB until Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Following the integration of the Negro Leagues’ statistics into MLB’s historical records, players like Josh Gibson will now see their accomplishments recognized on a major league level. Gibson, considered one of the greatest players in baseball history, will break records previously held by legends like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth.
With his career batting average of .372, slugging percentage of .718, and on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of 1.177, Gibson’s name will now be synonymous with baseball greatness. His great-grandson, Sean Gibson, expressed pride in seeing his ancestor’s achievements acknowledged at a major league level.
MLB’s decision to elevate the Negro Leagues to “major league” status was part of the league’s efforts to rectify a 1969 omission when a committee failed to consider the Negro Leagues as major leagues. The late Hank Aaron, who played in the Negro Leagues before achieving legendary status in MLB, highlighted the challenges faced by Negro League players in a documentary.
By incorporating the statistics of the Negro Leagues into its historical records, MLB aims to honor the legacy and contributions of Black players who paved the way for diversity and inclusion in the sport. This move not only recognizes the talent and achievements of these players but also serves as a testament to the resilience and perseverance of those who overcame significant barriers to pursue their passion for the game.
In a time where racial injustices are being confronted and historical inaccuracies are being corrected, MLB’s decision to incorporate the Negro Leagues’ statistics represents a step toward acknowledging the full scope of baseball history and honoring the legacy of players who were once overlooked. By bridging the gap between the past and the present, MLB is creating a more inclusive and accurate representation of the sport’s evolution.