Baseball pioneer Buck O'Neill dies at 94

[Richardo]

:cry:

I got to meet (and get an autograph) from Mr. O'Neill in 2005. I'll never forget it - while he was signing the ball, we talked about my being from Pittsburgh and his experiences in the city and playing the Grays and Crawfords, all in about 90 seconds. The best minute and a half in my sports life.

The class that he showed was just unbelievable - I've never been in the presence of a more gracious person. He had the pre-game crowd at an Astros game singing a call-and-response spritual (!) and let loose with this marvelous quote: God didn't make no ugly people - you may be ugly NOW, but God didn't make you that way."

RIP Buck. :patriot:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6217481


On edit: My post from 2005 http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3165483&mesg_id=3165483

[GOPisEvil]

1. You got to meet him?!

:wow:

I hope all those HoF voters who didn't vote for his inclusion into the Hall are ashamed of themselves. For shame!

[Richardo]

3. My best sports moment

...and my most cherished autograph (and I have Hank Aaron, too). :hi:

[GOPisEvil]

5. Wow. I wish I could have heard just one of his stories first-hand.

:hi:

[Scout1071]

7. I met Buck twice.

As a KC native, I often saw him. All you had to do was go to his seats about 15 rows behind homeplate at the Royals game or stop in the Negro League Museum.

Not just one of the finest athletes, without a doubt he was one of the finest gentlemen to walk this earth.

Rest in peace dear Buck.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

2. Did you see the Keith Olbermann salute to him?

O'Neill seemed like a very good guy, big heart, talented athlete, role model, etc. Wish I could have met him.
Duckie

[Richardo]

4. No - but thanks for the headsup - I'll look for it on youtube.

:thumbsup:

[YellowRubberDuckie]

6. Every night at 8/7 central...

Keith Olbermann does the nightly news on MSNBC. There's always something Quality to see on that show.
Duckie

[RFKHumphreyObama]

8. He sounds like a good man with a good heart

And a lot of talent, class and wisdom.

Rest in peace Mr O'Neil. And thank you for doing your part to make this world a better place. The world is better off for having had you in int :cry: :cry:

[Bunny]

9. That's pretty cool, Richardo.

Do try to catch Keith's tribute to him, it was really nice.

:hi:

[bif]

10. I really enjoyed him in the Ken Burns Baseball series

Seemed like a great guy.