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The story of baseball cannot be told without the Negro Leagues. For decades, these leagues showcased some of the greatest talent the sport has ever seen, even as segregation kept their players out of Major League Baseball. Today, their impact is being honored in ways long overdue—both through MLB’s official recognition of their statistics and through expanded efforts to preserve their legacy.
At Pro Merch, we’re proud to celebrate the history of the game beyond the Major Leagues, offering gear and collectibles that honor legendary teams like the Kansas City Monarchs, Homestead Grays, and beyond. Just as these players broke barriers on the field, we believe their legacy should live on for generations of fans and players alike.
MLB Officially Recognizes Negro Leagues Statistics
On May 29, 2024, Major League Baseball made history by officially integrating Negro Leagues statistics into its record books. This decision recognized seven Negro Leagues that operated between 1920 and 1948 as “Major Leagues,” a monumental step in acknowledging the extraordinary skill and contributions of Black ballplayers who were excluded from MLB because of segregation.
The record books immediately changed:
- Josh Gibson now stands as MLB’s all-time career leader in batting average (.372), slugging percentage (.718), and OPS (1.177). His .466 batting average in 1943 with the Homestead Grays is now considered the highest single-season average in MLB history.
- Oscar Charleston, Jud Wilson, Turkey Stearnes, Buck Leonard, and Mule Suttles all rank among the greatest hitters in MLB’s statistical history.
- On the pitching side, Satchel Paige’s 1.01 ERA for the 1944 Kansas City Monarchs is now the third-best single-season mark ever recorded.
This recognition not only restores rightful honor to these legends but also reshapes the way we view baseball’s past.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Expands
In Kansas City, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is embarking on an ambitious $30 million expansion. The project will create a state-of-the-art facility triple the size of the current museum, located next to the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center—the very site where the Negro National League was founded in 1920.
The expansion will also include a hotel and parking garage, forming a “Negro Leagues Campus” at the heart of Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. Backed by significant contributions, including a $2 million grant from the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation and $1 million from Bank of America, the project will further elevate the visibility and preservation of this vital chapter of American history.
Celebrating Leadership and Innovation
In addition to honoring players, the NLBM is shining a spotlight on leadership within the Negro Leagues. The museum recently launched its “Leaders & Innovators” campaign to recognize pioneering managers and executives often overlooked after MLB’s integration.
This campaign coincides with the 50th anniversary of Frank Robinson becoming MLB’s first full-time Black manager in 1975. A new exhibit, opened in May 2025, explores these stories of strategy, innovation, and perseverance—proof that the Negro Leagues shaped baseball far beyond the diamond.
The Decline of Black Representation in MLB
While the past is being recognized, the future of Black players in Major League Baseball remains a pressing issue. In 1991, nearly 20% of MLB players were Black. By 2023, that number had dropped below 7%.
Though 2025 saw a slight increase to 6.2%, the numbers remain low. MLB and the Players Association are working to reverse this decline through programs like the MLB Youth Academy, Breakthrough Series, DREAM Series, Nike RBI, and the Hank Aaron Invitational. These initiatives focus on expanding access, opportunity, and development for young Black athletes—a modern continuation of the trailblazing spirit of the Negro Leagues.
The Kansas City Monarchs Carry the Torch
Today, the Kansas City Monarchs live on as an independent baseball team, proudly carrying the name of one of the most storied franchises in Negro Leagues history. With players like outfielder Isiah Gilliam making an impact after returning from international play, the team continues to represent both competitive baseball and the enduring legacy of its namesake.
Fans can keep the spirit alive by supporting teams like the Monarchs and exploring exclusive Negro Leagues-inspired merchandise available at Pro Merch.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
The Negro Leagues represent resilience, innovation, and sheer excellence against impossible odds. With MLB’s integration of their statistics, the NLBM’s expansion, and continued efforts to increase Black representation in baseball, the importance of these leagues is finally being recognized on the scale they deserve.
At Pro Merch, we’re dedicated to honoring this history through authentic merchandise that helps fans connect with the stories and players who redefined the game. From jerseys to collectibles, every piece keeps their spirit alive—because the Negro Leagues were never just a footnote in baseball history; they are baseball history.
