The Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum celebrate Major League Baseball’s announcement that Negro League statistics are now incorporated into the official record books.
Pittsburgher and Hall of Famer Josh Gibson now holds the record for career batting average, career slugging percentage, career OPS. One of the most prodigious hitters in baseball history, Gibson was a star catcher for the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords. His powerful swing and arm strength made him a menace around the Negro Leagues – and now his achievements are officially recognized within the historical records.
As Crawfords teammate and pitcher Satchel Paige (who now sits in third place with the MLB’s best earned run average) said, “You look for his weakness, and while you’re lookin’ for it, he’s liable to hit 45 home runs.”
From 1937 to 1945, with the help of future Hall of Famers such as Gibson, “Cool Papa” Bell, Judy Johnson and Buck Leonard, the Homestead Grays won an unprecedented nine consecutive league pennants and three Negro League World Series titles.
While the Grays developed into a perennial powerhouse, the city’s other Negro League team, the Pittsburgh Crawfords, were also a formidable franchise. Owned by successful businessman Gus Greenlee, the team enticed all-star players Gibson and Oscar Charleston to leave the Grays to play for the Crawfords. With a stacked roster and financial stability, they developed into one of the best teams in baseball, peaking with a Negro National League championship in 1935.
Plan your visit today to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum learn more about our region's rich Negro League tradition.
📸 1929 Pittsburgh Crawfords, Gibson is fifth from the left. Courtesy of Lou Swartz.
