Baysox, exhibit honor O'Neil, Negro leagues

BOWIE -- Negro leagues star John "Buck" O'Neil will headline "In Black and White -- A Tribute to the Negro Leagues" at the Bowie Baysox game tonight.

O'Neil was a fixture in Kansas City, helping the Monarchs to four straight pennants and winning a batting title in 1946. He became the first black coach in big-league history, joining the Chicago Cubs in 1962.

In conjunction with the tour, the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission will open the "Rough Diamonds" exhibit at Prince George's County Stadium, which will honor the Negro leagues throughout the season.

Bowie and the Trenton Thunder will wear replica Negro Leagues uniforms tonight with as many as 20 teams represented.

Baltimore and Washington played an integral role in Negro leagues history, with the Baltimore Elite Giants and Homestead Grays, respectively.

L The exhibit will be opened at 4: 15 p.m. Game time is 7: 05.

Pub Date: 4/11/96