Birmingham, Alabama – Major League Baseball is set to make a historic move on Wednesday by officially including Negro Leagues statistics in its historical record. This decision will bring recognition to 2,300 Negro Leagues players whose accomplishments have long been overlooked by the league’s official database. The announcement, originally reported by USA Today, marks a significant step in acknowledging the contributions of Black baseball players from over a century ago.
Commissioner Robert Manfred’s declaration three years ago to elevate the Negro Leagues to ‘Major League’ status paved the way for this groundbreaking decision. Among the standout players to benefit from this inclusion is Josh Gibson, a legendary figure in baseball history known for his incredible achievements in the Negro Leagues. His career batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS surpass records set by iconic major league players such as Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth, solidifying his place among the baseball greats.
While Gibson’s plaque in Cooperstown, New York, highlights his near 800 home runs, these specific statistics will not be integrated into the league records. However, the addition of home runs, RBIs, and other stats from the Negro Leagues will now appear alongside those of modern-day stars like Mike Trout and Aaron Judge, bridging the gap between past and present eras of the sport.
John Thorn, the Major League Baseball historian leading the Negro Leagues Statistical Review Committee, has been overseeing the comprehensive review of thousands of box scores and other data to ensure the accurate integration of Negro Leagues statistics into the MLB database. This meticulous process involves analyzing decades worth of newspaper clippings, microfilm, and anecdotal accounts to provide a more comprehensive historical record of Black baseball players’ accomplishments.
The significance of this decision goes beyond rectifying a historical oversight; it symbolizes a move towards inclusivity and recognition for all American baseball players. Major League Baseball’s commitment to honoring the Negro Leagues will be further showcased through a tribute game scheduled for June 20 at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Players will wear period uniforms to pay homage to the legacy of outstanding athletes like Willie Mays, a legendary center fielder and Alabama native.
As the updated MLB database goes live on Wednesday, fans can expect to see a seamless integration of Negro Leagues statistics alongside those of the American and National leagues, without any asterisks or footnotes. This momentous occasion signifies a pivotal shift in how baseball history is acknowledged and celebrated, emphasizing the rich contributions of Black players to the sport.