MLB's official annual financial report

MLB to Incorporate Negro Leagues Stats, Josh Gibson to Surpass Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth

May 29, 2024, 12:57 AM

Major League Baseball (MLB) will officially incorporate the statistics of the Negro Leagues into its historical records starting Wednesday. This move will integrate the achievements of over 2,300 players who participated in the Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1948. As a result, legendary player Josh Gibson will become the all-time MLB leader in several categories, including career batting average (.372), slugging percentage (.718), and OPS (1.177). Gibson will also hold single-season records for batting average (.466 in 1943), slugging percentage (.974 in 1937), and OPS (1.474 in 1937). This decision comes after a three-year research project and marks a significant recognition of the contributions of Negro Leagues players to baseball history. The integration will see Josh Gibson surpass Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Barry Bonds in various statistical categories.