August 28, 2025 – Turn one way and there’s Jerry Royster. Swing around the other direction and there are the Hairston brothers – John and Jerry. At that table, you see Royals stars Willie Wilson and Frank White and “A.O,” the one and only Amos Otis. The room opens wider and you spot Jacque Jones, Francisco Arroyo, Ryan Bowen. Could it get much better?
Then in walks the Oz — Ozzie Smith — and you know you are in a special place.
What brought all of these baseball greats together in Kansas City last week? It was the founder of theNegro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the spirit and soul of that place and this sport. As Museum President andNashville Stars Baseball ClubBoard MemberBob Kendricksays, “the one and only Buck O’Neil.”
For two days, baseball’s best came to the Museum to salute Buck, to play golf in the Buck O’Neil Golf Classic and raise funds for the Museum’s expansion, and to trade stories, shake hands, eat BBQ, and revel in the baseball memories that each of them created.
The Nashville Stars team was honored to be part of the celebration and to spend time with Kendrick and the players, gathering more stories that tell the unique story of Negro Leagues baseball and the Nashville Stars. From the first step inside the Museum, to hearing Kendrick’s memorable and riveting voice, to that first tee shot on a gorgeous Thursday morning that only Buck could arrange in late August in Kansas City, the celebration was unforgettable.
We look forward to coming back, again and again, and we salute the distinctive partnership between the Museum and the Stars that is focused on bringingMajor League Baseball (MLB)to Music City – with the Negro Leagues’ history and impact front and center.