Major League Baseball has announced a significant decision to incorporate the statistics of the Negro Leagues that operated in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s into its record books. This decision comes after years of exclusion of black players from MLB, until Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947. The goal is to ensure that future generations have access to the statistics and milestones of those who made the Negro Leagues possible. The announcement is seen as a way to honor the accomplishments of black players and recognize their contributions to American history.
In response to America’s reckoning with racial injustice following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, MLB announced the elevation of seven Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1948 to “major league” status. This move aimed to recognize approximately 3,400 players for their on-field achievements. The recent decision to incorporate Negro Leagues statistics will take that initiative even further, allowing players like Josh Gibson to be recognized for their accomplishments. Gibson, one of baseball’s greatest players, will now hold multiple records previously held by legends like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth, including the all-time leader in career batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS.
Josh Gibson’s great-grandson, Sean Gibson, expressed his excitement about the announcement, stating that these statistics are not just Negro League stats but major league baseball stats. The inclusion of Negro Leagues in MLB record books highlights the talent and skill of black players who were previously overlooked. MLB acknowledged that the omission of Negro Leagues from consideration as major leagues in a 1969 committee decision was an error. The league is now rectifying that mistake by officially recognizing and honoring the achievements of Negro League players.
The late Hank Aaron, who played in the Negro Leagues before entering MLB and breaking Babe Ruth’s career home run record, shared the challenges that black players faced during that time. He described receiving only one dollar a day for meal money and surviving on bread and peanut butter for several days. This glimpse into the hardships endured by Negro League players underscores the importance of acknowledging and celebrating their contributions to the sport of baseball. The incorporation of Negro Leagues statistics into MLB record books symbolizes progress in recognizing and honoring the legacy of black players in American baseball history.
