In a move that reshapes the historical records of professional baseball, Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced that it will formally recognize the statistics of players from the Negro Leagues.
The initiative, which was disclosed by the esteemed baseball journalist Bob Nightengale of USA Today, marks a significant adjustment to baseball’s storied statistics.
Approximately 2,300 players who partook in seven distinct Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1948 will now have their statistics merged with MLB’s historical records. This means famed player Josh Gibson is set to top several single-season records within the MLB, as detailed byChristian Arnold of the New York Post.
Gibson’s stellar .372 batting average ousts Ty Cobb from the top spot and his .718 slugging percentage, as well as a 1.177 OPS, sees him surpass Babe Ruth’s formidable records.
Gibson’s entire 14-year professional playing career took place within the Negro Leagues.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the significance of inclusivity within baseball’s historical narrative to Yahoo Sports, pointing out that recognizing Negro League players enriches the sport’s legacy. The move is hoped to inspire broader societal appreciation for these athletes’ heritage and connect the milestones they reached to the journey that led to Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier in 1947.
John Thorn, MLB’s official historian and head of the committee reviewing Negro League statistics, conveyed to Yahoo Sports the meticulous process undertaken in achieving accurate and respected results, which included the input of historians, statisticians, and various interested parties.
The reclassification of Gibson’s achievements elevates his status from not only a Negro Leagues icon but also one of the all-time greats in MLB history.
“Now, the mention of Josh Gibson’s name will not just be associated with his dominance in the Negro Leagues,” stated Sean Gibson, his great-grandson, in a conversation with Nightengale. “He’s recognized as one of the all-time greats across the whole spectrum of professional baseball. These numbers now carry the weight and prestige of MLB statistics.”
This acknowledgment holds profound meaning for the Gibson family and symbolizes the recognition deserved by all 2,300 men who played in the Negro Leagues but were denied the chance to compete in MLB.”
