Six individuals were voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame today, it was announced. Long-time Negro Leaguers Buck O’Neil and Bud Fowler were voted in by the. Early Baseball Era committee, while Minnie Minoso, Tony Oliva, Gil Hodges and Jim Kaat were voted in by the Golden Days Era committee.
O’Neil, pictured above with George W. Bush in 2000 at the Negro Leagues Museum, has long been seen as a deserving member of the Hall. O’Neil was a long time player for the Kansas City Monarchs, as well as managing the team. He was the first black coach in the major leagues, spent years as a scout, and was a lifelong ambassador for the game, in particular speaking out and advocating for recognition for Negro League players.