May 29th 2024.
In 2020, a groundbreaking decision was made in Major League Baseball. The Negro Leagues, which had long been seen as a separate and lesser entity, were finally recognized as equal to the MLB. This historic move was foreshadowed by an official announcement made on May 29th. It was a major reshuffling of baseball history, as legendary players like Buck Leonard and Josh Gibson were rightfully placed among the all-time statistical leaders.
According to a report from The Athletic, this decision was largely influenced by the upcoming game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants, which is scheduled to take place in the historic Negro Leagues stadium, Rickwood Field, in June. The MLB's official historian, John Thorn, estimated that around 75% of Negro Leagues box scores have been added, with more being tallied every day. As these numbers continue to update, the impact of these players on the game will become even more apparent.
To promote the upcoming game at Rickwood Field, a Tribute to the Negro Leagues, the MLB unveiled six trading cards featuring Negro Leagues legends and a massive 24-foot-by-16-foot card of the iconic Satchel Paige. These cards were hand-crafted by a former Major Leaguer and talented artist. It was a powerful display of recognition and respect for these incredible players.
The dominance of Negro Leagues stars in barnstorming, or games played against Major League teams or local teams, has also been acknowledged. Even when facing off against some of the best players in the MLB, these Negro Leagues players still stood out. In fact, it's not unreasonable to believe that they would have performed just as well in a world without segregation. This is a testament to their incredible talent and skill.
However, not everyone may be comfortable with the inclusion of Negro Leagues players in the MLB's record books. Larry Lester, a Negro Leagues researcher and author, who played a key role in collecting the statistics, acknowledged this. He stated that while some diehard fans may not accept the stats, he welcomes the conversations and debates that will arise. This is why he and his team are dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Negro Leagues.
Lester also explained why barnstorming games would not count towards the players' statistics. These games were often played in rapid succession, with teams traveling to different cities and playing multiple games in a day. While these games were a significant part of Negro Leagues baseball, they were not considered official league games. Therefore, they cannot be included in the players' career statistics.
One of the most significant beneficiaries of this reshuffling of statistical records is Josh Gibson. Considered by many to be the greatest hitter in baseball history, Gibson now holds the top spot in several categories, including batting average, slugging percentage, and On Base Plus Slugging. As Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, puts it, "There are many who call Babe Ruth the Black Josh Gibson, but there are others who saw Josh swing that big bat of his, who would call Ruth the white Josh Gibson." This recognition is long overdue and a source of pride for Gibson's great-grandson, Sean Gibson.
Sean Gibson believes that this recognition is not only important for his family but for all the Black baseball players who were denied the opportunity to showcase their talents on an integrated baseball diamond. He hopes that this will help to shed light on the 2,300 men who played in the Negro Leagues but never got a chance to play in the Major Leagues. This acknowledgment means so much to their families and their legacies.
The story of the Negro Leagues will also be featured at the 23rd Annual Tribeca Film Festival as an official selection of the TribecaX2024. This event celebrates the intersection of storytelling, advertising, and innovation, highlighting the best brand stories of the year. It's another significant step in recognizing the impact and importance of the Negro Leagues in baseball history.
Despite the progress and recognition, there may still be some who question the inclusion of Negro Leagues players in the MLB's record books. But as Lester points out, their work and numbers speak for themselves. He and his team have dedicated countless hours to meticulously inputting and verifying thousands of box scores. The numbers are solid, and they welcome any critics or doubters to engage in respectful debates.
Lester also addresses potential criticisms, such as the argument that African-Americans were apathetic about recording baseball history. He proudly states that this stereotype is false and that he and his team are honored to bring the names of these incredible players into the spotlight. He also reminds us that greatness knows no race, as evidenced by the fact that Babe Ruth never hit a home run off a Black pitcher, and Josh Gibson never hit one off a white pitcher. The color of their skin does not determine their talent and impact on the game.
The recognition of the Negro Leagues in the MLB's records is a significant step towards acknowledging and honoring the players who were once overlooked and marginalized. It's a recognition that is long overdue and a testament to the perseverance and dedication of those who fought to preserve their history. And as we continue to learn more about the Negro Leagues and their impact on baseball, the conversation and appreciation for these incredible players will only grow.
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