The Negro Leagues are officially part of MLB history

Major League Baseball (MLB) has integrated the records of over 2,300 Negro Leagues players from 1920 to 1948 into its official statistics. This historic move follows nearly four years of research and a 2020 decision to recognize the Negro Leagues as Major League, addressing a long-standing oversight. The MLB’s new database honors legendary players like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and “Cool Papa” Bell, acknowledging their contributions and achievements. Gibson’s impressive stats, including a .372 career batting average, now surpass Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth’s records. This inclusion not only celebrates the talents and innovations of Negro Leagues players but also acknowledges the racial injustices they faced. The MLB plans further tributes, including a game at Rickwood Field, a historic Negro Leagues venue. This recognition reaffirms the Negro Leagues’ significant impact on baseball history and their rightful place in the sport’s legacy.

Source: NPR