KCTV 5Faces of Kansas City: Remembering Buck O'Neil

Even five years after his death, John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil remains one of Kansas City's most famous faces.

"If you knew Buck, there was a rhythm to him. The way he walked, talked, dressed, the charisma, the charm, that smile that lit up the screen," said Bob Kendrick. "Everywhere you go in the city, someone has a Buck O'Neil story that they want to share," he added.

Born in Florida, O'Neil first came to Kansas City in 1938 to play with the Monarchs of the Negro Leagues. Ten years later, O'Neil was still playing first base for the Monarchs in addition to managing the team.

In 1962 the Chicago Cubs named him Major League Baseball's first black coach.

"We're talking about the direct descendent of a slave who became baseball's grand ambassador, who lived long enough to wine and dine with American presidents," said Kendrick of O'Neil.

Stephens caught up with Bob Motley, who knew O'Neil for 60 years, as he was touring the new Buck O'Neil exhibit at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. An umpire in the Negro leagues, Motley became fast friends with O'Neil and he can tell some wild stories.

"Buck saved my life," said Motley, and Kendrick commented in agreement.

During a close game, Motley called one of the Monarchs out at home plate. The player was so enraged he threatened to kill Motley with a knife after the game.

"He swung at me but missed. I took my mask and swung at him but missed. Buck came in and pulled him down and said, ‘If you touch that ump, you'll never play another baseball game again,'" said Motley.

DeMorris Smith was a batboy for the Monarchs.

"I grew up with Buck," he said. "I grew up with the Kansas City Monarchs."

O'Neil helped his father, standout pitcher Hilton Smith, get into baseball's Hall of Fame.

"You could meet Buck anywhere and he's going to come up, shake hands and welcome you to KC. If he didn't know you or you weren't from KC, you now become friends for life," said Smith.

"We fell in love with the Buck O'Neil, who carried himself in a manner that exemplified what it meant to live a life filled with joy and happiness. He's someone who understood you could get further in life with love not hate," added Kendrick.

There is a huge celebration of Buck O'Neil's life and legacy planned for this weekend.

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