In a historic move, Major League Baseball has rewritten its record books to include the remarkable achievements of former Negro Leagues players. This groundbreaking decision means that legendary players like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb have been overshadowed by athletes who were once excluded from the same playing fields they now dominate. Leading the charge is the iconic Josh Gibson, a fearsome hitter from the Negro Leagues, who now stands as MLB’s new all-time career leader in batting average, surpassing Ty Cobb at .372.
In addition to this incredible feat, the MLB website now proudly showcases Gibson surpassing Babe Ruth in career slugging percentage. The enthusiasm for this monumental integration was highlighted by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who emphasized the importance of preserving the rich history of the Negro Leagues for generations to come. This marks a pivotal moment in American history, commemorating the path that ultimately led to Jackie Robinson’s groundbreaking debut with the Dodgers in 1947.
The great grandson of Josh Gibson, Sean Gibson, expressed his long-awaited excitement for this recognition, not only for his grandfather but for all the exceptional athletes of the Negro Leagues. Gibson’s Baseball Hall of Fame plaque serves as a testament to his illustrious career, including nearly 800 home runs during his 17 years in the league and independent baseball. While the majority of these homers were not achieved in league-sanctioned games, they are a true reflection of Gibson’s exceptional talent on the field.
At a momentous news conference, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick described this event as a pivotal moment for both Black baseball and Negro League history, emphasizing that the story of the Negro Leagues extends far beyond mere statistics. Kendrick also reassured fans who may feel disappointed about their favorite players moving down in the rankings, stating that this recognition does not diminish their achievements but rather offers an opportunity to learn about other extraordinary athletes.
More than 2,300 Negro Leagues players from 1920-1948 have been added to the MLB database, with ongoing efforts to uncover additional statistics. Notably, MLB career statistics for Hall of Famers like Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Minnie Miñoso now reflect their Negro Leagues accomplishments. For example, Robinson’s hits with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945 have significantly increased his career total, alongside similar adjustments for Paige and Miñoso.
This historic moment comes after MLB formally recognized the Negro Leagues as its equivalent in December 2020, using the time since then to carefully review how this recognition would impact MLB’s record books. MLB historians underscored the importance of acknowledging the rightful place of the best Black players of that era among the all-time leaders, recognizing that the stories and legacies of the Negro Leagues players deserved to be quantified and acknowledged.
Acknowledging and honoring the contributions and accomplishments of these players is an essential step in recognizing their impact on the history of baseball and ensuring that their legacy endures. This long overdue move by MLB is a triumph not only for the athletes of the Negro Leagues but also for the fans and supporters who have eagerly awaited this meaningful inclusion in the sport’s history.
This recognition serves as historical validation for those who had been excluded from the Major Leagues, signifying the pivotal role that the Negro Leagues played in reshaping the game and the country as a whole. This is an extraordinary occasion that challenges us to reevaluate and celebrate the remarkable talent and resilience of Black athletes throughout history. The legacy of Josh Gibson and countless other players from the Negro Leagues will now forever be etched into the immortal records of Major League Baseball, honoring their remarkable impact on a sport that holds such a significant place in American culture.
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