May 30, 1962 - John (Buck) O’Neil (pictured) was signed as a Chicago Cub coach yesterday, becoming the first Negro to hold such a position in the major leagues. O’Neil, 50, had been a scout in the Cubs’ organization since 1956 and was instrumental in signing most of the Negro players on the club. As a former player and manager for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League, he helped both Ernie Banks and George Altman of the Cubs get their start toward the majors. O’Neil, who has aided the Cubs’ spring-training instructional program the last seven seasons, said: “I am very happy to have this opportunity of being a coach. I will do everything I can in helping instruct the team’s young ballplayers.”
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