An Extension of the Black, Latin, White Report

Abstract

This paper is an analytical extension of the data compiled by Neft. Johnson. Cohen and Deutsch (1974) and published under the title "The Black, Latin. White Report''. The "Report" contains a mass of statistical data for the performance of black, Latin, and white American professional baseball players, but does not provide the reader with valid comparisons of performance differentials. Therefore, the present analyses permit meaningful comparisons by selecting and computing appropriate criterion and norming variables for the following areas of performance: batting averages, doubles, triples, home runs, slugging averages (for batting), and wins, losses, saves. hits. walks, strike-outs, and e.r.a.'s for pitching. This statistical refinement warranted applying numerous tests of statistical significance for four different time periods: 1) 1947—1960, 2) 1961—1968, 3) 1969—1973, and 4) a composite comparison for the entire 1947—1973 time frame. The results are highly indicative of superior hitting and pitching perform ances on the part of black and Latin athletes in comparison to white players. The reason why this is the case is theoretically addressed.