Major League Players Commend the Addition of Negro Leagues Statistics to Major League Records

Major League Baseball has taken a significant step towards honoring the legacy of the Negro Leagues by incorporating the statistics of over 2,300 players into the major league record book. This three-year research project has shed light on historic figures like Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston, Satchel Paige, and Mule Suttles, bringing their achievements to the forefront.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen expressed his excitement about the newfound recognition for these legendary players, stating, “Now that Josh Gibson is at the top of OPS and batting average and a few other categories, it’s great news. But it’s more than just that and the numbers. It’s great that you now get to learn about the players in the Negro Leagues.”

The meticulous process involved a 17-person committee chaired by John Thorn, MLB’s official historian, who met six times to examine statistics from seven Negro Leagues spanning from 1920 to 1948. Nearly 75% of the available records have been included, with the potential for more changes to the major league leaderboards as additional research is conducted.

The move has been described as “long overdue” by Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene, who emphasized the importance of understanding the history and contributions of these players. Josh Gibson now holds the title of the majors’ career leader in batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS, surpassing iconic figures like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth.

This groundbreaking decision by Major League Baseball has been hailed as a significant step towards acknowledging and incorporating the Negro Leagues into the rich tapestry of baseball history, bridging the gap between past and present for fans and players alike.