Office of Governor: Kansas
For Immediate Release
October 7, 2006
Nicole Corcoran, Press Secretary
785.368.8500

Sebelius issues statement on the death of Buck O’Neil
Governor mourns a baseball great who paved the way for others

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius today issued her condolences to the family, friends and fans, of Buck O’Neil.

She said, “America has lost one of our most classic sports greats. Buck broke so many barriers in his life and opened doors for players, scouts, managers and coaches who followed. He was a man of great pride, determination and skill, yet he always remained humble.”

Sebelius added that his death made his being overlooked for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame even more disappointing. Earlier this year, she joined thousands of fans in urging baseball commissioners to add O’Neil to the Hall of Fame and was stunned and disappointed by their decision.

“Buck was a wonderful man who embraced life, and he will be missed but not forgotten,” she concluded.

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