John "Buck" O'Neil

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John "Buck" O'Neil

Born in Florida, O'Neil served as a first baseman and manager in the Negro Leagues from 1937-1955. He played on nine championship teams, managed five East-West All Star Classics, played in three East-West games, starred in two Negro League World Series and won a Negro National League batting title.

As a manager of the Kansas City Monarchs, Buck was responsible for more than three dozen baseball players going to Major League organizations, including Ernie Banks.

In 1962, O'Neil became the first African-American coach in the Major Leagues with the Chicago Cubs, coaching future Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Lou Brock. In 1988, Buck returned to Kansas City as a scout for the Kansas City Royals.

Buck passed away on October 6, 2006, leaving a legacy of goodwill and a path for the future through the establishment of the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center.

In addition to scouting, Buck served on the Veterans' Committee at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Buck O'Neil was the Chairman of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

Web Links

October 6, 2006 News of Buck's Passing
Shadowball: Buck O'Neil
Father and Sons...
Sports Legend Receives Lifetime Leadership Award
Buck O'Neil - Baseball Online Library
CBS Sportline
Buck O'Neil Receives Honorary Degree
UMKC Bloch School of Business
Dreaming the Perfect Team - Twice
Spectator Magazine Online
O'Neil Broke the Color Barrier for Coaches
Historic Baseball

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