Buck O'Neil was barred from attending his local high school or playing in Major League Baseball. But that systemic discrimination didn't halt his ambition or drive, and he became the first African-American coach in MLB history.
In his role with the Cubs as a scout and then coach, he discovered African-American greats like Lou Brock, Ernie Banks, Lee Smith and Joe Carter. All four became Hall of Fame ballplayers.
O'Neil was a Negro League legend and became the Kansas City Monarchs' player-coach from 1947-54. The all-around first baseman won a Negro American League batting title (hitting .