The Passing of an Ambassador

For the majority of Americans, and the lion's share of baseball enthusiasts, the Negro Leagues are little more than a novelty. To Buck O'Neil, however, the Negro Leagues were a reality, his reality, and while most today were too late to have any sort of personal connection, O'Neil was "right on time." John 'Buck' O'Neil died tonight in a Kansas City hospital. He was 94.

O'Neil's life and mission was to promote, in any and every way possible, the game he loved so much. Through the Negro Leagues Hall of Fame and Museum, O'Neil has left an indelible mark on a generation of baseball fans. He was present at the induction ceremonies in Cooperstown, and spoke on behalf of the 17 Negro Leaguers inducted into the Hall, including Effa Manley, the first woman. He was renowned for his ability to tell a story, and let me tell you, he could read the weather report and make you want to sit and listen. He was just one of those men.

He may not be in the Hall, but he will always be remembered. And do yourself a favor: get some good, old-fashioned learning.