John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil

John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil was born on Nov. 13, 1911, in Carrabelle, Florida, and died on Oct. 6, 2006, in Kansas City, Missouri. A right-handed first baseman, outfielder, and manager, he played for the Kansas City Monarchs from 1938 to 1947, helping them win four consecutive Negro American League pennants from 1939 to 1942 and the Negro World Series in 1942. After two years of service in the Navy, he returned to manage the Monarchs from 1948 to 1955, winning pennants in 1948, 1950, 1951, and 1953 and two Negro World Series titles. In 1956 he joined the Chicago Cubs as a scout and signed prospects such as Lou Brock and Ernie Banks. While still with the Cubs in 1962, he became the first African-American coach in the major leagues. After thirty-three years with the Cubs, he returned to Kansas City and served as a scout for the Royals until his death. He was very instrumental in creating the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. His Negro Leagues career also included the Miami Giants in 1934, the New York Tigers in 1935, the Shreveport Acme Giants in 1936, the Memphis Red Sox in 1937, the Zulu Cannibal Giants in 1937, and the Kansas City Monarchs in 1938-1943 and 1946-1955. Buck O'Neil loved baseball, immersed himself in the game, and his desire and passion resulted in him becoming one of the sport's greatest ambassadors.

Kansas City, Missouri · United States