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NEWS RELEASE
City Hall
1565 First Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
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For Immediate Release: April 10, 2007
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CITY CELEBRATES LIFE OF BUCK O'NEIL
Sarasota - The City of Sarasota will celebrate
the life of Sarasota native Buck O’Neil, and his
tremendous impact on our national pastime, with Buck O’Neil
Night at Ed Smith Stadium, Sat., April 14th at 5pm. |
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O’Neil, who died at the age of 94
last October, was a standout in the Negro Leagues during
the 1930’s and 1940’s, earning a batting title
with the Kansas City Monarchs. When Major League Baseball
integrated in 1947, O’Neil’s remarkable playing
days had passed. He went on, though, to become the first
African American coach in the majors. He also became one
of the first African American scouts, signing future Hall
of Famers Ernie Banks and Lou Brock.
During this Saturday’s Florida State
League game between the Tampa Yankees and the Sarasota Reds,
the Reds will turn back the clock and wear the Kansas City
Monarchs uniforms, to honor O’Neil and his vast accomplishments. |
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Prior to the game, a Key to the City will be presented
to Ken Burns, a film maker who befriended O’Neil
in 1994 during the production of the popular PBS documentary “Baseball”.
Burns delivered the eulogy at O’Neil’s funeral.
In “Baseball”, O’Neil said he wasn’t
angry that the color of his skin prevented him from playing
in the major leagues. He felt he paved the way for African
American ballplayers who came after him.
In 1995, O’Neil received a diploma from Sarasota
High School, a school he was not allowed to attend because
of segregation. O’Neil posthumously received the
Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest
civilian honor, from President George W. Bush.
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Buck O’Neil
Night will begin at 5pm at Ed Smith Stadium. Joe Bruno and the Dixie
Land Hotdogs will play
live music until 5:30pm. Former Negro Leagues players will
be introduced and will sign autographs prior to the first pitch at
6pm. Tickets are
$5 and $6.
In conjunction with Buck O’Neil Night, an exhibit about O’Neil,
on loan from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, will be on display
through May 13th at the Sarasota County Visitors Center and History
Center Museum, 701 N. Tamiami Trail. Doors will be open Mon. – Sat.
10am – 4pm and Sun. noon – 3pm. Admission is free.
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Release Contact: Jan Thornburg, Public Information
Officer 941-954-4160
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com
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