Last week, Major League Baseball made a historic move by integrating Negro League statistics into its record books, resulting in baseball icon Willie Mays gaining 10 more career hits at the age of 93. Mays, known as one of the greatest players in baseball history, expressed his surprise and delight at this development, calling it a 'very good thing' and remarking on the uniqueness of achieving such a feat at his age.
During his illustrious 23-season career, primarily with the New York Giants, Mays amassed impressive numbers, including 660 home runs and 3,283 hits. He is particularly renowned for his legendary catch during the 1954 World Series, a moment that has been etched in baseball history as one of the greatest defensive plays of all time.
Mays fondly recalled his teenage years playing for the Negro American League's Birmingham Black Barons, emphasizing the pride and joy he felt being part of the team. His 10 hits with the Barons have now been officially recognized, elevating his career hit total to 3,293 and securing his position as the 12th player on the all-time hits list.
The MLB's decision to incorporate statistics from former Negro Leagues players has led to significant changes in the record books, with legendary figures like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb being surpassed by players who were previously excluded due to segregation. Notably, Josh Gibson, a standout slugger from the Negro Leagues, now holds the title of MLB's all-time career leader in batting average and slugging percentage.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition of Negro League players, Mays highlighted the exceptional talent of pitchers like Satchel Paige and the importance of acknowledging their contributions to the sport. He commended MLB for rectifying the historical oversight and ensuring that players from that era receive the credit they deserve.
Reflecting on his statistical milestone at 93, Mays described the experience as 'amazing' and expressed appreciation for the support he received throughout his career. The integration of Negro League statistics serves as a significant step towards honoring the legacy of players who faced discrimination and segregation, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and recognition in the world of baseball.
