Hundreds gathered Monday night in the Missouri House Chamber as a baseball great was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians.
John Buck O'neil was remembered by fellow athletes, fans, and Missouri legislators.
O'neil was best known for his play in the Negro League, leading the Kansas City Monarchs to a title in 1942.
When his playing days ended, he became a manager for the Monarchs.
O'neil later became the first African American coach in Major League Baseball history, when he became a scout for the Chicago Cubs.
He finished his scouting career with the Kansas City Royals.
Speakers at Monday night's event applauded O'neil's efforts to bring the story of the Negro Leagues and the League Hall of Fame to the public eye, preserving the important piece of American History.
Buck O'neil died in 2006 at the age of 94.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKRCG