The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

A Kansas City Gem

Kansas City is well known for many things. But not many are aware that Kansas City is the home of THE NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM. The museum describes itself as “the world’s only museum dedicated solely to preserving this incredible history.” In 2006 congress designated the museum as “America’s National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.” It is truly a Kansas City Gem. The museum is a “must see” for baseball fans and and a special treat for visitors to the city.

Kansas City’s baseball history suits it well as the location of the museum. Kansas City was home to The Kansas City Monarchs, one of the premier Negro Leagues Baseball Clubs. The Monarchs won the first Negro League World Series in 1924. They produced a number of great players including several Hall of Fame members including Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson. Buck O’Neil, a long time Kansas City favorite, played for and then managed the Monarchs. After his playing career ended he moved on to become a scout, ending his scouting years with the Kansas City Royals. Buck will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 22, 2022.

Getting There –

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is located at 1616 E. 18th Street, only 1.6 miles east of Downtown Kansas City, Missouri and 12.5 miles northeast of Overland Park, Kansas. The museum is in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District of Kansas City and is actually housed in the same building as the American Jazz Museum. For a brief aerial view of the district check out the video below.

Brief Video of 18th & Vine Area of Kansas City

The Museum –

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is loaded with interesting displays, documents and presentations. They blend together to tell the story of “America’s Favorite Pastime” as played in the Negro Leagues during the years of segregation, before Jackie Robinson finally broke the baseball color line and became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball.

***Front Entrance – Negro Leagues Baseball Museum & American Jazz Museum***

A unique and central feature of the NLBM is a mini-baseball field presented in subdued lighting with period posters lining the outfield fence. Statues of famous players stand at their playing positions. It’s quite impressive.

***“Batter Up” – Home Plate At the Museum***

***View of Mini-Field from behind home plate***

***Buck O’Neil managing the game behind home plate***

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Buck O’Neil Tribute Park –

The Buck O’Neil Tribute Park is less than two blocks from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Although not an official part of the museum, it’s close proximity makes it an easy and natural addition to any visit. Located at the corner of E. 19th Street and The Paseo, the tiny park, in the shape of a baseball diamond, is designed to honor Kansas City baseball great, Buck O’Neil. Buck O’Neil, a long time Kansas City favorite, played for and then managed the Kansas City Monarchs. After his playing career ended he moved on to become a scout, ending his scouting years with the Kansas City Royals. Buck will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 22, 2022.