Press Release Archives (2022)

John Jordan ‘Buck’ O’Neil

Cooperstown, New York; July 21st — John Jordan ‘Buck’ O’Neil was announced to the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s 2022 Class on Sunday in Cooperstown, New York. The decorated star was a First Basemen and eventually a manager for the Kansas City-based Negro Leagues team, the Monarchs. Even though Buck died in 2006, he has brought a remarkable legacy. O’Neil’s pioneering and innovative spirit drove Major League Baseball to adopt nighttime baseball, aggressive base-running, and shinguards for catchers to wear and helmets for batters. In addition, Buck became the first African American coach in Major League Baseball. He was paired with the great Chicago Cub African American superstar Ernie Banks in the Windy City Chicagoland. O’Neil faced discrimination throughout his life on and off the baseball field. In a famous 2006 interview, he recalled having to sleep in a different hotel because of the color of his skin. Segregation, however, didn’t take Buck’s remarkable kindness and generosity. The Kansas City Royals honor O’Neil with the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat at Kauffman Stadium. Each week throughout the season, a local leader is recognized for their outstanding exemplary values that profoundly impact Kansas City and sits in the legacy seat to honor the Major League Baseball Hall of Famer. Of all the accomplishments, perhaps his most outstanding achievement was founding the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri’s 18th and Vine district. O’Neill’s exemplary impact on Major League Baseball and Kansas City is glorified among the most historic accomplishments that brought change to America’s pastime. Sunday, today, O’Neil has now heralded the greats. His name has forever risen to the annals of Major League Baseball’s high honor.

Photo by: CHARLIE RIEDEL/ASSOCIATED PRESS

A Positive Pledge

The Modern Journalism Project is an investigative newsroom based in Kansas City, Missouri, dedicated in 2023 to bringing unique stories to form.