The National Baseball Hall of Fame has decided to induct 6 fresh members for 2022. The Early Baseball Era Committee of the Hall of Fame announced that legendary Negro League players Buck O’Neil and Bud Fowler have been inducted into Cooperstown. Others inducted were Jim Kaat, Gil Hodges, Tony Olivia, and Minnie Minoso. The voting in was done by the Era Committee.
Buck O’Neil is an Icon of the Negro Leagues and perhaps the most influential figure in the game’s history. The legendary player went to 3 All-Stars in 10 Seasons in the Negro League. Buck O’Neil was the founder of Kansas City’s Negro Hall of Fame after his retirement. Also, O’Neil was the 1st Black to coach in the game’s history.
Buck O’Neil Award Given To Individuals For Extraordinary Efforts Towards Baseball
Buck O’Neil passed away in 2006 at the age of 94. The Buck O’Neil award goes to individuals who made extraordinary efforts to give baseball a positive image in society and broadened the appeal of the game. The individual should have dignity and integrity comparable to Buck O’Neil.
Hodges was 8-time an All-Star plus also the 1969 Miracle Mets manager. He is long considered a worthy candidate among those not in the Hall of Fame.
Minoso’s induction was also overdue. He was among the first among All-Stars and Latino players. He is also the 1st Black of Cuban origin playing in the major leagues. His son Charlie said that his father succeeded in breaking barriers while he did what he loved for the American dream. He would have been proud to become a Hall of Famer.
Jim Kaat pitched for 25 remarkable seasons at the leagues. He has a 283-win record and sixteen Gold Gloves, playing mostly with the Minnesota Twins/Washington Senators franchise.
