On May 29, 2024, Major League Baseball (MLB) integrated Negro League statistics into its official historical record, adding data from over 2,300 players who participated in seven different Negro Leagues between 1920 and 1948. This initiative aims to ensure that future generations recognize the achievements of these players, many of whom were previously excluded from MLB due to segregation.
Key figures whose records changed include Josh Gibson, now recognized as the all-time leader in career batting average (.372) and slugging percentage (.718), surpassing Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth, respectively. The integration also affects other notable players like Satchel Paige and Oscar Charleston, whose contributions are now more accurately reflected in MLB's records.
This decision follows a review by the Negro League Statistical Review Committee, chaired by MLB historian John Thorn, and supported by statistical experts including Larry Lester. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized that the inclusion of Negro Leagues' statistics is not only about numbers but also about honoring the legacy and contributions of these players to baseball and American history.
Additionally, players who transitioned from the Negro Leagues to MLB, such as Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, and Don Newcombe, have had their career statistics updated to reflect their performances in both leagues. This historical revision is seen as an essential step in recognizing the full scope of baseball's past and the players who significantly impacted the game despite facing racial segregation.