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Frieze depicting "Knowledge and Learning" from the front facade of Municipal Auditorium, downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
John "Buck" O'Neil
Hall-Of-Famer in our hearts
John "Buck O'Neil is a hometown hero. A first baseman on the segragated fields of the Negro Leagues, he has championed the cause of black ball players who took the field prior to Jackie Robinson.
Click on the play button above to hear a tribute to Buck O'Neil written and performed by Ms. Plum's 1st Grade Class at Primitivo Garcia World Language School in Kansas City, Missouri.
Upon hearing the the news that he was not elected to Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame, Congressman Cleaver wentto the floor of the House of Representatives and said:
"Today our city and our entire community celebrates our hometown hero, Buck O’Neil, who is a Hall a Famer in our hearts. It is clear the Baseball Hall of Fame has made a terrible error in not inducting Buck on this ballot,” said Congressman Cleaver. “I have no idea how you do not include Buck in the Hall of Fame.”
“It is rare that an entire community rallies around a single person, but our City loves Buck, what he stands for and his indomitable spirit. Once again, Buck O’Neil is teaching us that disappointments are to be cremated not embalmed.”
O’Neil’s baseball career spans seven decades and has helped make him a foremost authority on baseball history and one of the game's greatest advocates.
“Have you ever met a man who loves baseball and his community more than Buck O’Neil?” said Cleaver, “More than that though, Buck loves life. And for that inspired love, Buck is adored by all those who know him and all who have heard of him. I can not tell you how much I wish this was a happier day for Buck and us, but knowing him I know he will wake up tomorrow with a smile on his face.”
O'Neil played with and managed the Kansas City Monarchs from 1938-55. He guided the team to five pennants and two Negro World Series titles. As the major leagues’ first African-American coach, O’Neil signed Ernie Banks and Lou Brock to their first minor-league contracts with the Cubs.
Congressman Cleaver worked with O’Neil on the revitalization of the 18th & Vine historic district. The district was the historical center for black culture and life in Kansas City from the late 1800s-1960s. It was the hub of activity for African-American homeowners, business, jazz music, and baseball enthusiasts. Just outside of the district stands the Paseo YMCA building, which was built as a black YMCA in 1914. It served as a temporary home for baseball players, railroad workers, and others making the transition to big city life in the Midwest. It was there that the Negro National League was founded in 1920.
The 18th and Vine Historic District is now home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, of which Buck O’Neil serves as Board Chairman. Congressman Cleaver has introduced House Concurrent Resolution 227, which would designate the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum as America's National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
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