John (Buck) O’Neil spent more than 30 years with the Cubs as a scout and the first black coach in the major leagues. He was instrumental in the development of Cubs stars Ernie Banks, Lou Brock, Lee Smith and Billy Williams among dozens of African-American players. He also had close relationships with Minnie Minoso, Oscar Gamble and other White Sox personnel over the years.
Although O’Neil fell one vote short of induction before he passed away, many recognize his to be a Hall of Fame career. As a first baseman with the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League, he claimed a pair of batting titles. As Monarchs’ manager, his teams captured four pennants. He also took part in four East-West All-Star Games, which were played at Comiskey Park annually from 1933-1960.
His significant contributions came at a time when race relations were at a turning point in our history and were being played out in our nation’s favorite pastime on the playing field.
2011 marks Buck O’Neil’s 100th Birthday.
During Black History Month, February 3, 2011, we would like to recognize the role the Chicago baseball played in our countries history and how individuals like Buck O’Neil bridged the racial gap that existed in the game to lead the way for the players to enjoy the game today.
STORY
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The ceremony was private and the statue had a security guard. We had a great response from fans who saw the clearbuck.comers out in force (mostly Northwestern University students who want to impress Professor Savage). 35,000 packed in US Cellular to watch my Sox beat the Yankees 4-3. My live interview 7PM on Chicago Tonight was well-received and it was about 10 minutes long. The producer and host Bob Sirott did a great job of bringing life to the 85-year old Black Sox story. We are getting a lot of positive responses regarding my plans to put up a Black Sox museum near old Comiskey Park.
I am fortunate to have Amber Buchanan on board working for me full time on my various Black Sox projects. As I remind her daily, she is probably the only person in the world whose full time job is to further uncover this very complex story. Next up is a 5/6/04 presentation to a DePaul University History/Culture class studying the Black Sox scandal and 7/31/04 the National Court Reporters Convention in Chicago where I will be speaking about the role of the short hand reporters in the Black Sox scandal and how the court reporter for the Grand Jury in 1921 had to testify in the 1924 Milwaukee trial when Shoeless Joe sued Comiskey for back pay.
The statue is out in right center field right below (and appropriately right below the 1919 American League Championship pennant).