Posted on 10/06/2006 8:27:34 PM PDT by badpacifist
Buck O'neil dead at 94. In 1942, O'Neil led the Monarchs to a Negro American League title and faced the Homestead Grays in the Negro World Series. Buck hit a robust .353, as the Monarchs swept the Grays in four games. His Grays' counterpart Buck Leonard recalled, "He would find the gap in the outfield and hit it there. He was one of the best ball players I have ever seen." O'Neil won batting titles in 1940 and 1946, blasting out averages of .345 and .350, respectively.
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OH MAN how sad
How come he is not in Hall of fame???
He isn't already in the hall of fame?????????? I don't think this will be the case for much longer.
He even managed Satchel Page. I went to his house once. He will be in the Hall of Fame. He was one vote shy last time.
Condolences to Buck O'Neil's family and friends.
After getting a hit, he made it to first base where he was promptly traded to the other league team...all so that he then could truly become a major league player.
RIP Buck. You're with God now.
Buck Oneil was in attendance at a major league game which was broadcast from Kansas City this year. He was 94 years old but looked about 60. He was obviously a clean living man and a proud man. It is sad to see him pass but he had a glorious life, played a great sport, and undoubtedly had influence over many people who he came in contact with. Frankly, he seemed to be a very impressive individual and it would be a great thing if more people emulated him.
That's so sad. I always enjoyed seeing him on all those baseball documentaries that we see on PBS lately. He always seemed like one of those people you love to meet. Rest in Peace.
Dang. I really liked him. Buck was one of the greatest ambassadors for the game. A true gentleman. It was a darn shame he wasn't elected to the Hall this past year. Buck was pure class and not resentful.
When I was a kid in Chicago, Buck O'Neil was a Cubs coach--the first black coach in the bigs. If I recall correctly, he was also the scout responsible for bringing Ernie Banks and Lou Brock and other great black ballplayers to the Cubs.
Sad news. Prayers for his family and friends. Rest in peace, "Buck"...
RIP Buck, your life was a credit to the human race.
Back in my BR days (Before Rush), I used to listen to sports talk show host Jim Rome ("The Jungle"), and about once a year, he would have Buck O'Neill on his program. I always enjoyed listening to him.
RIP
It wasn't a major league game -- it was an independent league game....but maybe one that had a MLB affiliation? I doubt it but I'm not sure. Possibly he could have been put on the 40-man roster but surely not the 25-man roster. I doubt that as well but tell me if you know differently.
http://www.tbonesbaseball.com/news/?id=4905
Let something I wrote about Buck O'Neil in February stand as my tribute to this good, gentle knight of baseball.
Reggie Jackson probably said it better: I’m not sad for him. He had a long, full life, and I hope I’m as lucky. But I’m sad for us. Amen to that, Mr. October.
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