Buck O'Neil

Buck O'Neil is the most prominent and popular spokesman for the veterans of the Negro Leagues. Born in 1911, Buck is still a very active and delightful speaker and entertainer. His book titled "I Was Right on Time" chronicles his life and times in the Negro Leagues. He also published a CD of his oral stories of the Negro Leagues titled "The Best of Buck". Both pieces of literature are required items for the Negro League aficionado.

Buck was an outstanding first baseman in a league where men of colour played before the integration of Major League baseball when Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier in 1947. Buck played for and managed the legendary Kansas City Monarchs from 1937 to 1955. He won the Negro American League batting title in 1940 with a .345 average and in 1946 with a .350 average. He was named to the prestigious East-West All-Star game in 1942, 1943 and 1949. He also managed the West team in the classic in 1950, 1953, 1954 and 1955. Later, Buck became the first black coach in the history of the Major Leagues when he coached for the Chicago Cubs in 1962.

Today, Buck is an immensely popular speaker and figure who entertains audiences with tales of Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Buck Leonard, Oscar Charleston and many of the other legends of the Negro Leagues. Drop by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City and perhaps you'll even meet Buck regaling visitors with his wonderful stories.