The Society for American Baseball Research, or SABR, is the most widely recognized authority on baseball history. Their research in every field of baseball has lead to more books and information found in books than any other group in history. Members of Society for American Baseball Research voted in 1999 on five different lists and these are the results of the their forty greatest Negro League Figures.

If you enjoy history, and do not know much about Negro League baseball, then you should seriously consider purchasing the Complete History of the Negro Leagues.

Oscar Charleston was often referred to as "the black Tris Speaker" for his skill in center field, "the black Ty Cobb" for his base running, and "the black Babe Ruth" for his power at the plate.

Connie Mack once said, "You could put (Honus) Wagner and (Pop) Lloyd in a bag together and whichever you pulled out you wouldn't go wrong!"