The Negro Leagues Database Blog

THE 1942 MEXICAN LEAGUE SEASON We’ve added data from the 1942 Mexican League, a season of 84-88 games that finished with three teams within two games of first place. Union Laguna de Torreon posted the best record (48-40) thanks to Martin Dihigo, who proved why he’s one of the greatest players in baseball history. The 37-year-old Dihigo not only led the team in hitting with a 144 OPS+, but he pitched in a career-high 35 games, went 22-7 with a 2.53 ERA, and was the best pitcher in the league. Not surprisingly, another all-time great–Monte Irvin –was the league’s best hitter and enjoyed a season that would have made Ted Williams envious. In 63 games, the young shortstop slashed .397/.502/.772 with 20 homers, 79 RBIs, 74 runs, and 11 stolen bases. Add in his time with the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League and his numbers become even more impressive–.412/.508/.792 with 21 homers, 90 RBIs, and 81 runs in 67 games. We also see Quincy Trouppe having a very strong season in his prime, perhaps solidifying himself as one of the top 5 Negro League catchers all-time. In addition we added new box scores and new data for 1938, two box scores for 1928, three for 1933, and as always, additional biographical data uncovered by Seamheads Lead Researcher Gary Ashwill. Later this year, we plan on adding fielding and various secondary statistics (pitchers’ HRs allowed, HBP for batters, etc.) to Negro League seasons where they are not complete, plus many Latin American seasons (Mexico 1943-1954, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela), as well as the California Winter League, Negro leagues vs. minor league games, the ManDak League, the Negro leagues after 1948, perhaps the Provincial League, and a lot more.