How Josh Gibson became an MLB record-holder after Negro League stats integration

One of America’s oldest sports is taking a progressive approach to its history. Indeed, the inclusion of statistics from the Negro League has literally re-written the record books and with that acknowledgment has finally been given to those who had never received such before.

MLB’s Negro League stat inclusion crowns Josh Gibson

It was a historic day in baseball on Wednesday after MLB announced that it would formally integrate Negro League statistics into its major league database. To be clear, the league did in fact indicate that it would take this step back in 2020, however, now that it is a reality fans of the Game finally understand what that actually means. For starters, it ushers in a change to the league’s records, with Hall of Fame catcher Josh Gibson being one of the primary beneficiaries.

According to reports, Gibson will now be recognized as baseball’s all-time leader when it comes to batting average (.372), slugging percentage (.718), and OPS (1.177). Yes, that means he will now sit above fellow Hall of Famer and former outfielder, Ty Cobb, in the first category, and another HOF alumni, Babe Ruth, who previously held the top position in the remaining two categories. Yet, it doesn’t stop there. Gibson is also set to claim the single-season record as well. With a more than impressive batting average of .466 while playing for the Homestead Grays in 1943, he completely overtakes the record held by outfielder Hugh Duffy - another Hall of Famer - who averaged .440 in 1974. Believe it or not, he also hit .974 in 1937 which now stands as a record as well.

“When you hear Josh Gibson’s name now, it’s not just that he was the greatest player in the Negro Leagues,” Sean Gibson, Gibson’s great-grandson said, “But one of the greatest of all time. These aren’t just Negro League stats. They’re Major League Baseball stats.” Where other players on the list are concerned, there are of course a multitude of them but a few noteworthy names include right fielder Charlie Smith, who hit .451 for the New York Lincoln Giants in 1929, and first baseman and left fielder Mule Suttles, who notched a staggering .877 for the 1926 St. Louis Stars. A historic day indeed.