This is one of the better promotions in Major League Baseball: the Kansas City Royals are continuing the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat program in 2013, in conjunction with Fox Sports Kansas City.
Buck O’Neil was one of the pioneers of baseball, making the transition from the Negro Leagues to the majors, becoming the first African-American coach in MLB with the Cubs in 1962. He was associated with the Royals since 1988, working to launch the Negro Leagues Museum and serving as a baseball ambassador and Kauffman Stadium fixture until his death in 2006. Since 2007, the Royals have paid tribute to the lasting impact O’Neil had on the game of baseball and the Kansas City area by filling “Buck’s seat” with a member of the community who embodies his vibrant spirit. O’Neil spent many days and nights supporting the Royals from behind home plate at Kauffman Stadium, both as a scout and fan.
Honorees will be recognized during the Royals pregame ceremony and enjoy the game from “Buck’s seat” behind home plate. FSKC is once again partnering with the Royals on the program by featuring Buck Seat honorees during FSKC home telecasts. In addition to five game tickets, honorees also receive food vouchers and a commemorative plaque celebrating his/her day at The K.
As the Royals celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Kauffman Stadium in 2013, the club will begin the seventh year of the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat program by honoring Charles Wheeler at the home opener on Monday, April 8. Wheeler spent eight years (1971-79) as mayor of Kansas City, Mo., and was in the office when then-Royals Stadium opened on April 10, 1973 with a 12-1 win over the Texas Rangers.
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