John "Buck" O'Neil Center
This Building was originally constructed as the Paseo YMCA which opened in 1914 to provide Kansas citians of color a place that would specifically allow them a public or private multi-purpose facility serving as a meeting place for community oriented social gatherings, a transi[en]t living quarters, a recreational center promoting activities e[n]hancing youth athleticism and religious ceremonies.
In 1920, the YMCA was host to a significant event in American history. The Negro National Baseball League was created in this building. Now this edifice is renamed the John Buck O'Neil Center. "Buck" as he was afectionally [sic - affectionately] called was a significant figure in Negro League Baseball. He played with numerous teams across the country and was a player and manager for the Kansas City Monarchs.
Buck lived his life as an open book to inspire and motivate.
In 1962 Buck O'Neil signed with the Chicago Cubs as the first person of color to coach in Major League Baseball. He co-founded as well as promoted the Negro Baseball Museume [sic] in Kansas City. It's often said, History offers us a way to travel into the past but our future allows us to dream of things to come with all of its possibilities. Therefore, let's take this journey together so the dreams of our past can be the reality of our future.
[Mural artist]
this page online
Erected by The Shriners.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 39° 5.41′ N, 94° 33.89′ W. Marker is in Kansas City, Missouri, in Jackson County. It is in Downtown Kansas City. Marker is at the intersection of The Paseo and 19th Street, on the left when traveling north on The Paseo. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kansas City MO 64108, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mutual Musicians Association Building (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richard Thomas Coles / R.T. Coles Vocational and Junior High School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); American Jazz Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Roy Wilkins (approx. 0.2 miles away); Kansas City Call (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ms. Myra Taylor (approx. 0.2 miles away); Otis Taylor (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kansas City.
Also see . . .
1. Pioneer O'Neil's timing was just right. USA Today tribute (2006) (Submitted on October 6, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Buck O'Neil. Encyclopedia of World Biography website entry (Submitted on October 6, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center. Website homepage (Submitted on October 6, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. Kansas City bridge renamed to honor O'Neil. MLB website entry (Submitted on May 24, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 778 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 6, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
