Should Old-Time Negro League Baseball Players Be Considered Major Leaguers? Why or Why Not?
Today's Major League Baseball (MLB) is a brand in its own right, and the recognition of Negro League players is more about acknowledgment of historical injustice than about the quality of their play. This article explores the importance of recognizing the Negro Leagues as major leagues and the significance of honoring players like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Ernie Banks, and Jackie Robinson.
The Negro Leagues as Major Leagues
The Negro National League, the Eastern Colored League, and the Negro American League were the principal leagues during the 1920-1948 period. These leagues were recognized as full-fledged major leagues, with a skill level that was as good, if not better, than the white-only major leagues at the time. The Negro leagues, however, lacked the depth of their white counterparts, particularly in pitching.
Admitting that Negro League players are major league players is not merely an act of historical recognition; it elevates MLB by acknowledging past injustices. This act provides these players with the recognition and respect they deserve without requiring any special treatment. The Negro Leagues were major leagues, and the best players demonstrated the same level of skill and talent.
Major League Players Who Started in the Negro Leagues
Players like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Ernie Banks, and Jackie Robinson, who began their careers in the Negro Leagues, were undoubtedly exceptional talents. They had the potential to compete at the highest level if not for the segregation of the time. While not all Negro League players reached the same heights as Josh Gibson and Oscar Charleston, not all players in the American League (AL) and National League (NL) were stars like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth.
The leagues during this period, including the Negro National League (with two versions), the Eastern Colored League, the American Negro League, the East-West League, the Negro Southern League, and the Negro American League, were at least as stable as the Federal League and the Union Association, which have long been recognized as "major leagues."
It is crucial to recognize that these leagues were not just a single entity but distinct organizations with their own histories and legacies. The Negro Leagues should be acknowledged and valued for their contributions to the sport of baseball.
Recognition and Acknowledgment
Today, MLB has made official announcements stating that Negro League players of the past are entitled to all the privileges and honors that white players receive, including induction into Cooperstown, inclusion in the Hall of Fame, and recognition in the annals of baseball history. This recognition not only elevates MLB but also adds to the luster of the Negro League greats by acknowledging their contributions and their right to be recognized in the pantheon of major league players.
It is time to recognize and honor the players and the leagues that were a significant part of American baseball history. The legacy of the Negro Leagues is an important part of the sport, and its players deserve the respect and recognition they have long been due.