(Photo: Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson/Getty Images)
Major League Baseball (MLB) has taken a historic step by officially recognizing the Negro Leagues as part of its official record book. This move highlights the contributions of Black baseball players who were previously excluded from the mainstream statistics. Let’s delve into the details:
Background
The Negro Leagues: The Negro Leagues were a product of segregated America, created to provide opportunities for Black players where none existed. These leagues operated from 1920 to 1948 and featured exceptional talent that often went unrecognized.
Recognition as Major Leagues: In December 2020, Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. announced that MLB would correct a longstanding oversight by officially elevating the Negro Leagues to “Major League” status. This decision was made during the centennial celebration of the founding of the Negro Leagues.
(Photo: MLB.com)
What Has Changed?
New-Look Leaderboards: With the inclusion of Negro Leagues statistics, MLB’s leaderboards now have a fresh look. Hall of Famer Josh Gibson, a legendary catcher and power hitter who played for the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords, stands out prominently. Gibson now holds the all-time records in batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS (on-base plus slugging) among all MLB players.
Overdue Appreciation: Beyond Gibson, many other Black stars from the Negro Leagues are finally receiving the recognition they deserve. Their accomplishments on the field are now part of the official historical record.
The Integration Process
Independent Review Committee: MLB followed the recommendations of the independent Negro League Statistical Review Committee. This committee ensured that the available Negro Leagues numbers were seamlessly integrated into the existing data from the American League, National League, and other Major Leagues from history.
Database Integration: More than 2,300 Negro Leagues players, including three living players from the 1920-1948 era (Bill Greason, Ron Teasley, and Hall of Famer Willie Mays), are now included in a newly integrated database at MLB.com. This database combines Negro Leagues statistics with existing MLB data.
Commissioner Manfred’s Statement
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed pride in the inclusion of Negro Leagues players in the official historical record. He emphasized that this initiative ensures that future generations of fans have access to the statistics and milestones of those who made the Negro Leagues possible. Additionally, these accomplishments serve as a gateway to learning about the triumphs and challenges in American history, including Jackie Robinson’s groundbreaking debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
A Worthy Study
John Thorn, official MLB historian and chairman of the Negro Leagues Statistical Review Committee, aptly summarized the significance of this development: “Stats are shorthand for stories, and the story of the Negro Leagues is worthy of our study.” By recognizing these players as big leaguers, MLB honors their legacy and contributes to a more complete understanding of baseball history.
This integration of Negro Leagues statistics is a powerful step toward acknowledging the immense talent and resilience of Black baseball players during a challenging era. It ensures that their contributions will inspire generations to come.
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