Overview:
• MLB is now honoring Negro League stats, a decision made back in 2020 and implemented after a review process with the Elias Sports Bureau.
• This recognition allows for the mention of top Negro League players, such as Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige, in the history of baseball.
• The decision is considered long overdue, providing recognition for powerhouse teams like the Kansas City Monarchs, Indianapolis Clowns, and Homestead Grays, and important players who will now have their accomplishments counted.
Finally!!..No professional sport honors accomplishments and history of African Americans more than MLB. A historical event recently took place. MLB is now honoring Negro League stats. Many people wonder why it took so long for this to happen. The decision was actually made back in 2020. The Elias Sports Bureau had to complete a review process. Then,..MLB and Seamheads (an important venue for the publication of good baseball research and writing) data had discussions over how the data would be utilized.
Many may be wondering when it comes to the stats how do the standards compare (Negro league vs MLB) … The current standard for MLB leaders is 5,000 at bats and 2,000 innings pitched. For Negro League players the standard is 1,800 at bats and 600 innings pitched. Some of the top Negro league players of all time, such as Josh Gibson, Buck Leonard, Satchel Paige, Oscar Charleston and Cool Papa Bell will now have their names more commonly mentioned when it comes to the history of baseball.
One of the most famous baseball players in not just the Negro Leagues, but in history, was Satchel Paige. Paige played for eight Negro League teams from 1927-1947. He was a six-time Negro League All Star. He then took his talents to Major League Baseball. Paige may have been a little older, but he never slowed down. Before his career would end, he would play with three different MLB teams. From 1948 to 1965, Paige would play with the St. Louis Browns, Kansas City Athletics and Cleveland Indians. Paige would win a World Series title with the Indians in 1948.
Many of times when you hear about the great Negro League players and the debates, all you hear is “Yea, he was great. But he didn’t play in the major leagues so what he did doesn’t count.’’…Well, now it does. The powerhouse teams of the Negro Leagues were the Kansas City Monarchs (13 titles), Indianapolis Clowns (3 titles), and the Homestead Grays (3 titles). Historically, the Monarchs of Kansas City were like the New York Yankees of the Negro League. They had the history, the name and the players. It’s about time those players of the Monarchs and other teams get their recognition. They say better late than never. Never has now come due.