MLB history has featured various controversies. Some question the validity about statistics from the early years of the sport, and rumors even suggest that Babe Ruth hit more home runs that his recorded mark of 714. However, one legendary player established himself as a superstar in the Negro Leagues. The controversy is that Josh Gibson, who many consider to be the best Negro Leagues player ever, did not previously have his statistics recorded in the MLB record books.

That recently changed, though.

MLB announced on Wednesday that the official MLB record books will include Negro Leagues statistics, according to Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com.

“We are proud that the official historical record now includes the players of the Negro Leagues,” Rob Manfred, MLB's Commissioner, said in a statement, via MLB.com. “This initiative is focused on ensuring that future generations of fans have access to the statistics and milestones of all those who made the Negro Leagues possible. Their accomplishments on the field will be a gateway to broader learning about this triumph in American history and the path that led to Jackie Robinson’s 1947 Dodger debut.”

What Jackie Robinson accomplished in 1947 was incredible. He broke the color barrier and paved the way for future African American stars to shine in professional sports. But there were plenty of stars before 1947 who did not get to play at the MLB level, and this decision by MLB will honor their accomplishments in the Negro Leagues.

So who exactly is Josh Gibson, however? Baseball fans may have heard his name, but there's a chance you don't know exactly how special of a player Gibson was.

Josh Gibson is one of the greatest baseball players of all-time

Josh Gibson looking serious.

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The statistics on MLB.com are now updated. As a result, multiple statistical categories have a new leader.

For his career, Gibson slashed .372/.482/.718/1.177. His batting average surpassed Ty Cobb's .367 mark for the highest of all-time. Gibson also surpassed Babe Ruth for the best slugging percentage and OPS in MLB history.

There is debate about how many home runs Gibson hit. There have been various estimates thrown around, with some people claiming Gibson hit around 800 home runs. Others say he may have actually hit close to 1,000 long balls. We will not ever know the exact number, but it is possible that Josh Gibson is the all-time home run leader.

Babe Ruth held that title until Hank Aaron surpassed his 714 home runs. Aaron went on to finish his MLB career with 758 homers. Barry Bonds later set the new record with 762 home runs. Bonds is still listed as the all-time home run leader in the record books.

Gibson's career home run total is listed at just 166, per Baseball Reference. Many of his long balls were likely not officially recorded and accounted for, which is why there is a general belief that Gibson is among baseball's all-time home run leaders.

Despite the home run uncertainty, there is no denying the fact that Josh Gibson was a star. He deserves to be honored and Gibson is now MLB's leader in a number of statistics.