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Numbers Don't Lie: Negro League Statistics Rewrite MLB Record Book

MLB's adoption of Negro League stats sparks dialogue about legacy of segregated baseball.

by Ben David and Adam Slocum

June 4, 2024

Josh Gibson was recently recognized as quite possibly the greatest hitter that ever played the game. (Getty Images)

The Negro Leagues of the early 20th century provided some of the greatest legends, characters, and innovations that the game of baseball has ever seen. Formed as a by-product of the infamous “gentlemen’s agreement” that segregated the game for over 70 years, names like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Rube Foster became ingrained in the fabric of baseball history despite competing with much less fanfare in all-black leagues. Eventually, Negro League stars would shine in the post-integration era, including Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays. Their stellar performance (and conduct, even in the face of ongoing bigotry) highlighted the shortsightedness and absurdity of white exclusionism, its place in America’s pastime, and its prevalence throughout our society.

Today, these legends of the game are being re-evaluated in light of the recent Major League Baseball decision to recognize and adopt Negro League Baseball records alongside their own. As a result, the MLB record book looks vastly different than it did a week ago. Most notably, Josh Gibson now sits above Ty Cobb as MLB’s career batting champion with a career .372 average, accrued exclusively while playing for 14 seasons in the Negro National League from 1933-1946. (Cobb’s lifetime average over 22 MLB seasons was .367.)

FAIR COMPARISON?

Statistics hold a place of reverence at the center of our collective and ongoing baseball conversation. For example, they're what allow us to cross-generationally compare Shohei Ohtani to Babe Ruth. However, with all due respect to The Babe, the game is much different now than it was in 1930 (the year Ruth made more money than President Hoover). Babe never faced a 103-mile-an-hour fastball followed by a cutter breaking 10 inches in on his hands. Nevertheless, throughout time, statistics have served as landmarks and inflection points in the game. The numbers 714 and 755, 56 and .406 evoke something much greater than their numerical value. That's why this question of statistical integrity is important - because our love of the game is embedded in that narrative.

The decision to include these records, together with those of MLB, was praised as a long-overdue recognition of Negro League achievements in the face of injustice. However, others have argued that this development is unfair. While these records are extremely valuable in illuminating fascinating aspects of the history of the game, is merging them with Major League stats a true apples-to-apples comparison?

A putative reason for the prior omission of Negro League statistics was the lack of structure and consistency in record-keeping by the Negro Leagues in comparison to their white counterparts. In contrast to the white leagues, Negro League baseball did not enjoy mainstream media coverage, which further impaired the collection of statistical record-keeping. In addition, Negro League baseball suffered at times from financial instability, unregulated player movement, and difficulty establishing a consistent league schedule. As a result, Negro League competition was vastly different from the standard 154-game schedule of the white American and National Leagues of that era. In contrast, Negro Leagues’ schedules were much shorter, typically 60-game seasons. Negro League teams often supplemented their schedules by barnstorming against inferior competition and taking on many exhibition games, including some against Major League teams.

New York Black Yankees wait to take the field during a game in 1942.

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABE

The records that were recently added are the product of years of tireless research carried out by the independent Negro League Statistical Review Committee. While some may still question the veracity of these statistical comparisons, the greatness of Negro League talent in the eyes of those who saw them play is unquestionable. The exhibition games between Negro League teams and MLB players gave us that apples-to-apples glimpse at parity, and the Negro League players passed with flying colors. Joe DiMaggio called Satchel Paige the best pitcher he ever faced. Babe Ruth called the Negro League teams “among the best baseball players in the world.” Indeed, the feats of Negro League stars have earned a unique place of distinction in baseball history. These accolades are not only supported by pure statistical data, but also evidenced by the deferential respect afforded to them by their white contemporaries.

The fact that the decision to merge these records has reinvigorated discussions about the legacy of Negro League achievement is extremely positive. By proactively closing the chapter and moving on from the costly error of segregation in baseball, we can all continue to enjoy our collective, ongoing conversation about the game we love without leaving anyone out. Clearly, acknowledging that there is more to the story is critical, but at the end of the day, “the numbers don’t lie.”

One might wonder how Josh Gibson would react to finding out he is now retroactively the Major League batting champion. Larry Doby said that Gibson’s lack of opportunity to compete in Major League Baseball contributed to his tragic, premature death at the age of 35. According to Doby, months before Robinson integrated the game, Gibson “died of a broken heart.” That sentiment encapsulates what makes Major League Baseball’s efforts to rectify this issue so meaningful. National Sports Museum would like to congratulate Major League Baseball and the Negro League Statistical Review Committee for their efforts, along with all the Negro League players recently honored - Josh Gibson in particular.

Josh, we hope your heart has fully mended knowing that you’ve officially been recognized for your colossal talent, perhaps the greatest of all time. Throughout your career, you were called “the black Babe Ruth” - maybe now the most talented MLB players will be called “the white Josh Gibson.” Or better yet, perhaps we’ve reached the point where color is no longer a factor and all players can simply “Play Ball” to the best of their abilities, letting the statistics speak for themselves.

NATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUM IN NYC

The National Sports Museum in NYC will celebrate sports’ profound impact on our national identity and pay tribute to athletes, brands, leagues, and teams who use their platform as leaders to effect meaningful change. Exhibits will include “Sports as Social Change”, “Sports as Cultural Identity”, “Sports as the Pursuit of Excellence”, and “Sports PLUS (Personal Learning Using Sports)”, along with an Immersion Theater and Interactive Sports Entertainment & Training facility.

We're developing an attraction-museum focused on education through sports. By using the latest interactive technologies we will bring sports history to life, viewing it all through a lens of social and cultural themes that illuminate the transcendent power of sports to advance, empower, inspire, and unite. We intend to align with other like-minded non-profits, athletes, the sports industry, corporate sponsors, and the city of New York to create a special and enduring cultural institution.

We welcome your feedback at Contact@NationalSportsMuseum.org.