Media coverage analysis

MLB to Integrate Negro Leagues Stats Wednesday, Josh Gibson to Hold Multiple Career and Single-Season Records

May 28, 2024, 11:00 PM

Major League Baseball (MLB) will officially integrate statistics from the Negro Leagues into its historical records starting Wednesday. This significant decision means that legendary Negro Leagues player Josh Gibson, who played for the Pittsburgh Crawfords and Homestead Grays, will now hold multiple MLB records. Gibson will become the MLB single-season leader in batting average (.466 in 1943), slugging percentage (.974 in 1937), and OPS (1.474 in 1937). Additionally, he will hold career records for batting average (.372), slugging percentage (.718), and OPS (1.177). The integration affects records for over 2,300 players who participated in the Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1948, following a three-year research project. This move has sparked debate, with some praising the recognition of Negro Leagues players, while others question the comparability of statistics across different leagues and eras. Notably, some records held by Barry Bonds will be impacted.