NDF All-Draft Contest - Josh Gibson

[NetShrine]

Here we are, in the middle of round 4, and a few participants in the draft have just asked off-line: Why can't I draft Josh Gibson of the Negro leagues?

Three weeks ago, when the rules were published, they clearly stated:

"All players with "MLB" experience are eligible - others are not. You cannot draft S. Oh. from Japan."

This point is not open for discussion - as we are well into the contest and it would be unfair to change the rules. Surely, if the rules had stated "Negro League players are eligible" out of the blocks, Gibson would have been taken well before the middle of round four. To allow someone to take him now would be unfair to all those who have drafted already.

Some that contacted me referenced PJL7's pick of Satchel Paige - with the connection that
if Paige's performance prior to the bigs can be argued, then why not allow credit for Gibson's?

Bottom line - Gibson never played in MLB - so, we have no idea how he would have performed. At least with Satchel, there's some MLB play on which to base any opinions.

Gibson could have been the next Babe Ruth - or the next Joe Charboneau. Since he never played in the majors, we will never know and to debate it is pure projection. We'll pass on that. Thanks.