Buck O'Neil was an American baseball player and manager, known for his significant contributions to the Negro Leagues. Born on November 13, 1911, in Jackson, Florida, he played as a first baseman and later became a scout and coach. O'Neil was a key figure in promoting the history of African American baseball. In 2006, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his efforts in preserving the legacy of the Negro Leagues. O'Neil was also a strong advocate for the inclusion of Negro League players in the Baseball Hall of Fame, where he was inducted posthumously in 2021.