KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil never got a free pass in life.The grandson of a man brought to this continent a slave, O'Neil moved to Kansas City to avoid racial persecution in the deep south. He played baseball during an era of segregation, and earlier this year was denied entry into the National Baseball Hall of Fame by a special 12-member panel.It figures that on Tuesday night, when the 94-year-old steps into the batter's box during a minor league all-star game, nobody will quibble over an intentional walk.Except maybe O'Neil."I just might take a swing at one," he said before Tuesday night's Northern League All-Star Game.The Kansas City T-Bones signed O'Neil to a one-day contract, likely making him the oldest professional baseball player. He would surpass 83-year-old Jim Eriotes, who struck out in a minor league game in South Dakota earlier this month, by more than a decade.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/base...t.ap/index.htmllol pretty funny story. It would be crazy if he got a base hit.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Invesco @ Jul 18 2006, 05:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>technically minor league wouldnt be considered pro...</div>technically you are wrong. you are considered a professional if you recieve money to play.......and last time i checked minor leaguers dont play for free.
and this isnt some random guy. Buck O'Neill was one of the greatest Negro League Players ever. He was denied entry in to the MLB HOF, because he apparently has criticized MLB for some policies.
