Joe Poz on Buck O'Neil: READ THIS

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by srvy

Bucks credentials for HOF?

I know you're trolling and don't actually give a ****, but...

1) Ambassador for the game. Buck O'Neill's contributions as an ambassador for the game and especially the Negro Leagues are significant. There are lots of people in the Hall of Fame for off-field contributions, many of them announcers (who are also ambassadors for the game).

2) Scout/coach. O'Neil was the first black scout and the first black scout. These are both significant landmarks, even though they're rarely spoken of. He also signed several notable players as a scout, including Lou Brock.

3) Good player/manager on great teams. There are a lot of guys in the HoF because they were above-average players on great team (Rizzuto, Reese, Mazerowski all come to mind).

Really, his HoF case is all about being a historical figure and being an ambassador for the game. There are several less deserving men in the Hall. Including KC's own Denny Matthews.