Why Buck?

I chose to name this project after Buck O’Neil. So, why did I choose Buck?

I believe that one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give to a person is a book. A book that is carefully chosen based on the recipient. A book that shows you understand that person.

I will always remember the day that my wife gave me The Soul of Baseball – A Road Trip Through Buck O’Neil’s America by Joe Posnanski. It was a Father’s Day gift. Tina saw that there was a new baseball book coming out, so she bought it and held on to it for me. I couldn’t put the book down. Posnanski is a great writer, but Buck was an even greater human being. His stories of playing in the Negro Leagues were treasures. His journey to being involved with Major League Baseball were riveting. But, for me, it was his drive to recognize the great athletes he played with, and to honor them with enshrinement in Cooperstown that made this book a gem.

I cried when the HOF announced which players from the Negro Leagues would be admitted. They were tears of joy for those players who would be enshrined, but also tears of sadness for Buck not being included. We could all learn a great deal from how Buck handled this. He may not be in Cooperstown, but he’s in my hall of fame, and he should be in yours too.

I highly recommend this book. Do yourself a favor and check it out. (I have more to recommend from Joe Posnanski in a later post.)