If it's true - The Baseball Hall of Fame should hang their heads in shame for not letting him be inducted in any of the last 40 years. This man has been one of the most engaging and enthusiastic boosters of baseball I have ever seen. He was a pillar of knowledge and dignity. If this is true, I am sure where he is headed - if there's a baseball heaven I wouldn't want to see it without Buck.
I met Buck O'Neil as he passed through Baton Rouge a few years back (1999-2000ish). He and another former Negro Leaguer, Ulysses Redd, were in town, to promote a book or documentary, or something.
The Baton Rouge Advocate being what it is, devoted about two lines of -5 sized font to this event. I left work (or school) early picked up a couple baseballs and headed to the casino where the event was.
Imagine my surprise when there were all of about 6 people there. I had the opportunity to actually sit and talk with Buck O'Neil. He took the time to get to know a little about me. He was probably at least a little curious how the 23 year old white kid ended up there. I told him that I had seen him talk about baseball on TV many times before. I asked him about Ulysses Redd (I had never heard of him), and he told me a great story about taking the trains and busses around barnstorming and that's how those two met. I must have spent about 15-20 minutes talking with him. One of the most engaging people I've ever met.
Sad to hear of his passing, but I'd say he lived a very full life... I hope I'm as lucky.
It's a disgrace that Mr. O'Neil is not in the Hall of Fame. Losing out by one one vote is pathetic. He will certainly be inducted now and I hope that the people who did not vote for him before, will vote for him now. chaz
<< <i>It's a disgrace that Mr. O'Neil is not in the Hall of Fame. Losing out by one one vote is pathetic. He will certainly be inducted now and I hope that the people who did not vote for him before, will vote for him now. chaz >>
It's a shame he only got to speak for the missing Negro LEaguers this year and will never get to give his own induction speech. Those that did not vote for him the first time should hang thier heads in shame and think about what they denied the fans who make the journey or watch it on the TV every year. The man could speak and speak well and always from the heart.
On the Yankee Bandwagon since April 22nd, 1979 (my first game). ______ Collecting all Yankees especially: Thurman Munson, Yogi Berra, Melky Cabrera!
A true loss. Shame on the baseball HOF for not inducting him while he was still alive. Bet you they put him in next time around to try to save face. RIP Buck.
TNP777
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just my two pennies.
Rich
My prayers go out to his family.
I was lucky enough to get his auto from a pack - I never had the chance to see him at a show.
mike
When I think of what the Hall of Fame didn't do for him I think...SHAME!
The thing is Buck would not think that, and that is what made him so great. He will be missed.
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Bob
email bcmiller7@comcast.net
They call me "Pack the Ripper"
R.I.P BUCK.
The Baton Rouge Advocate being what it is, devoted about two lines of -5 sized font to this event. I left work (or school) early picked up a couple baseballs and headed to the casino where the event was.
Imagine my surprise when there were all of about 6 people there. I had the opportunity to actually sit and talk with Buck O'Neil. He took the time to get to know a little about me. He was probably at least a little curious how the 23 year old white kid ended up there. I told him that I had seen him talk about baseball on TV many times before. I asked him about Ulysses Redd (I had never heard of him), and he told me a great story about taking the trains and busses around barnstorming and that's how those two met. I must have spent about 15-20 minutes talking with him. One of the most engaging people I've ever met.
Sad to hear of his passing, but I'd say he lived a very full life... I hope I'm as lucky.
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<< <i>It's a disgrace that Mr. O'Neil is not in the Hall of Fame. Losing out by one one vote is pathetic. He will certainly be inducted now and I hope that the people who did not vote for him before, will vote for him now. chaz >>
It's a shame he only got to speak for the missing Negro LEaguers this year and will never get to give his own induction speech. Those that did not vote for him the first time should hang thier heads in shame and think about what they denied the fans who make the journey or watch it on the TV every year. The man could speak and speak well and always from the heart.
______
Collecting all Yankees especially:
Thurman Munson, Yogi Berra, Melky Cabrera!
For my son:
Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada
MY Baseball Card Page
My Player Collection Needs