Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Dave and Chuck the Freak

MLB Incorporates Negro Leagues Stats: Top Leaderboard Changes

Author Kayla Morgan

It’s been a long time coming and Major League Baseball (MLB) has finally incorporated the statistics of former Negro League players into its historical records on its website. This means that legendary leaders in some categories like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb have now been replaced in the record books by players who weren’t allowed to play on the same fields as them during segregation.

In 2020 the league announced that seven different Negro Leagues from 1920-1948 would be recognized as Major Leagues. On Wednesday, they announced that it has followed the recommendations of the independent Negro League Statistical Review Committee in absorbing the available Negro Leagues numbers into the official historical record.

“We are proud that the official historical record now includes the players of the Negro Leagues,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “This initiative is focused on ensuring that future generations of fans have access to the statistics and milestones of all those who made the Negro Leagues possible. Their accomplishments on the field will be a gateway to broader learning about this triumph in American history and the path that led to Jackie Robinson’s 1947 Dodger debut.”

Major League Baseball’s single-season and career leaderboards now have a fresh look.

On the MLB website, one of the greatest sluggers in the history of the Negro Leagues, Josh Gibson is now listed as MLB’s new all-time career leader in batting average at .372, moving ahead of Ty Cobb at .367.

According to the MLB, Gibson is one of more than 2,300 Negro Leagues players. This includes three living players who played in the 1920-1948 era in Bill Greason, Ron Teasley and Hall of Famer Willie Mays included in a newly integrated database at MLB.com that combines the Negro Leagues numbers with the existing data from the American League, National League, and other Major Leagues from history.

Brief Negro League Background

Before Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, both the American and National baseball leagues were segregated, just like much of society at the time. Because Black players couldn’t play in these leagues, they started their own. The first was the Negro National League, founded in 1920 by Andrew “Rube” Foster, and it had eight teams.

Over the next 30 years, various Negro Leagues were created and disbanded. The Negro World Series took place from 1924 to 1927, with the champions of the Negro National League playing against the champions of the Eastern Colored League. It happened again from 1942 to 1948, featuring the winners of the second Negro National League and the Negro American League.

In total, 37 players from the Negro Leagues were eventually inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Jackie Robinson joining Major League Baseball marked the beginning of the end for the Negro Leagues said the MLB.

“This effort is not over,” stated the MLB. They said that researchers estimate that the 1920-48 Negro Leagues records are about 75% complete, and further updates could come in the future if more verifiable information comes to light via box scores. 

You can see all the leaderboards for yourself on MLB’s stats page.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.

MLB Power Rankings: Top Teams to Start 2024

Spring is coming, and that means baseball is on the way. So, why not get into some early MLB Power Rankings?

If you weren’t happy with how last season ended, then you’re in luck. That’s because you have a million new games up ahead in the 2024 season. Okay, maybe not a million. But, a lot. The Major League Baseball season schedule packs a whopping 162 games for each of the 30 teams in the American League (AL) and National League (NL). Those games take place over about six months. That means baseball fans, in theory, could watch 2,430 games in the regular season alone.

Don’t do that. You have more of a life than to sit around watching 2,430 baseball games. But, I should talk. During football season, I watch all the games I can get my eyes on.

Let’s not leave out the minor leagues, by the way. It’s always really fun to go to a minor league baseball game, because it’s much more chill than a major league game. It’s also cheaper, both tickets and parking. So, don’t just support your major league team this year. Cheer for the minor league guys, too. You won’t have quite as many games to catch in the minor league, though, as a full, regular season in Triple-A is 150 games, Double-A is 138 games and High-A and Single-A are 132 games. Still, that’s lots and lots of baseball to attend.

With the official start of baseball season getting closer, it’s a good time to get into my initial Power Rankings for 2024. Sure, this is a bit premature, since players will shift going into the season. But, the biggest players are with their respective teams now, so we have a good picture and idea of which teams will pop in 2024. Frankly, deciding between No. 1 and 2 was very difficult, because both teams are so, so solid right now. Who are your picks for the 2024 season? Reach out to me here and let me know, and find the full MLB schedule here.

MLB Power Rankings: Top Teams to Begin 2024

  • 10. Seattle Mariners

    Seattle Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has done a good job of putting together a team that could deliver, even with a limited budget. Expect to see Mitch Garver, Jorge Polanco, Luis Urias, Mitch Haniger and many more on the field this season. The Mariners were decent last year, and fans could be in for a solid team this year.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C33WvcmyHuE/

  • 9. Tampa Bay Rays

    Wander Franco is still a question, but without him, the Tampa Bay Rays look strong. The team simply has one of the best batches of offensive players in the MLB. Will they go all the way? We’ll find out. They could certainly make a run for it.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C3vox8RuLLH/

  • 8. Toronto Blue Jays

    The Toronto Blue Jays played well last season and had a fantastic rotation, but they didn’t win a playoff game. Say what? They’re back for revenge this year, and they have a similar, stellar lineup.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C4Ev23EAL5A/

  • 7. New York Yankees

    The New York Yankees have more question marks than most of the teams on this list. But, overall, they look solid. As time shakes out, we’ll know more about how this roster will shape up, but it’s looking on the upswing so far. Would you expect anything less from such a heritage team?

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C4D_YEDPfce/

  • 6. Arizona Diamondbacks

    The Arizona Diamondbacks are coming off a pleasantly surprising World Series run. They’re hungry for more. They’ve added Eduardo Rodriguez to the middle of their rotation and have made a few other choice moves.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C4EVYdAyjG6/

  • 5. Philadelphia Phillies

    How did the Philadelphia Phillies not make it to the World Series last year? They totally should have, but that’s all in the past. The team has gotten so close for so long, and this seems like the year that they could actually win it all. Maybe.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C4Gsq5nu4rr/

  • 4. Baltimore Orioles

    The Baltimore Orioles won 101 games last year, but they’re bringing in Jackson Holliday, who will probably be AL Rookie of the Year. They’ve also added Craig Kimbrel to the fold. Fans expected bolder moves, but we feel good about this lineup.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C4BjEulOJ-y/

  • 3. Houston Astros

    The Houston Astros are regulars on the road to the World Series. They were in the American League Championship Series for the seventh consecutive season in 2023. They’re likely to do it again.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C4CllFiAoII/

  • 2. Los Angeles Dodgers

    The Dodgers really stepped it up in the offseason. They’ve brought on star players in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They’re going to be really tough to beat.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C3_rkrvrFH-/

  • 1. Atlanta Braves

    The Atlanta Braves are the team to beat in 2024. Not only do they have a stellar lineup that they’re bringing back from last season, but they’ve also added left fielder Jarred Kelenic and pitcher Chris Sale. They’re the team to beat.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C3747F-urYJ/

  • Honorable mention

    How did the Texas Rangers not get in the top 10? Ridiculous, right? Well, they obviously just won the World Series. They could do it again, but I decided to give some of the other teams a bit of the spotlight. That said, yes, the Rangers are going to be very strong in 2024. Also, let’s talk about the Detroit Tigers. They underperformed in 2023, but they could surprise people this year. Over the years, the team has brought on plenty of talent, and they’ve continued that in the offseason.
    https://www.instagram.com/p/C35_dXyvxJa/

Sign me up for the Dave & Chuck The Freak's 'Unsolicited' Email Newsletter

You'll get access to recaps of the best stories of the week, the Peep Show of the week, as well as weekly 'Street Bits' episodes, an uncensored Dave & Chuck the Freak exclusive, available only to subscribers.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Kayla Morgan
Category:

More Dave and Chuck the Freak

Load More