Major League Baseball (MLB) recently took a historic step to rectify a long-standing oversight by officially incorporating Negro Leagues statistics into its historical record.
Starting Wednesday, May 29, the achievements of approximately 2,300 Negro Leagues players will be recognized alongside those of MLB legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb.
MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred announced this significant change three years ago, emphasizing the league’s commitment to correcting a historical wrong by elevating the Negro Leagues to “Major League” status. John Thorn, an MLB historian, and the Negro Leagues Statistical Review Committee have been responsible for the meticulous process of officially incorporating Negro Leagues stats into MLB records. The team has been reviewing thousands of box scores and other historical data to integrate the statistics of the seven Negro Leagues into MLB’s database.
Josh Gibson, a standout and one of the most significant figures in the Negro Leagues, is now leading multiple batting categories. His career batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS surpass those of Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. While some of Gibson’s legendary feats, such as the nearly 800 home runs mentioned on his Hall of Fame plaque, will not be included, many of his official stats will now be recognized.
Here is what we know about Gibson and his legendary yet overlooked career:
- Early Life and Career:
– Gibson was born on Dec. 21, 1911, in Buena Vista, Georgia. He moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he started his baseball career. Gibson joined the Pittsburgh Crawfords in 1930 and later played for the Homestead Grays. - Hitting Prowess:
– Known for his prodigious power, Gibson is often referred to as the “Black Babe Ruth.” He is credited with hitting between 800 and 1,000 home runs in his career, although exact statistics are difficult to verify due to incomplete records from the Negro Leagues. His batting average reportedly hovered around .350 to .400 in various seasons. - Comparison to MLB Players:
– Though he never played in the Major Leagues due to racial segregation, many believe he would have been one of the greatest MLB players of all time. Gibson’s stats in exhibition games against Major League players and teams often surpassed those of his MLB contemporaries. - Championships and Recognition:
Gibson won multiple Negro National League championships with the Homestead Grays. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, the second Negro Leagues player to receive this honor after Satchel Paige. - Legacy and Impact:
– Gibson’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements; he is a symbol of the immense talent that was excluded from Major League Baseball due to segregation. The statistical record-keeping and recognition of Negro League accomplishments have grown, with MLB in 2020 officially recognizing the Negro Leagues as major leagues, incorporating some of the players’ statistics into official MLB records.
Josh Gibson’s life and career serve as a testament to his extraordinary abilities and the rich history of Negro League baseball, highlighting both the triumphs and the injustices of his era.
NNPA Newswire contributed to this report.
