Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced a significant move in recognizing the history of the Negro Leagues by including all of their statistics in the official record. This decision marks a pivotal moment in baseball history, as it will honor the contributions of over 2,300 players who participated in the Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1948.
The inclusion of Negro League statistics in MLB’s official record means that players like Josh Gibson will now hold records for single-season batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS. MLB historian John Thorne emphasized the importance of recognizing the past as a living and breathing entity that shapes our understanding of the present. He believes that baseball, more than any other sport, is deeply connected to its history and the heroes of yesteryear.
As part of this historic move, MLB has created a Negro League Statistical review committee that will continue to uncover more information and data to accurately reflect the contributions of Negro League players. This decision allows for a more inclusive telling of baseball’s history, incorporating the stories and achievements of players from the Negro Leagues into the broader narrative of Major League Baseball.
With this historic move, MLB aims to present a more complete and encompassing story of the game and its impact on the nation. By integrating Negro League statistics into MLB’s major league record, baseball history will be portrayed in a more comprehensive light, honoring the legacy of these players and their significant contributions to the sport.
