In Philadelphia, former Philadelphia Phillies player Ryan Howard reflects on his career beginnings when he was introduced to the legendary Buck O’Neil, a figure renowned for his pivotal role in promoting Black baseball players over an impressive eight-decade span in and out of the field. During a memorable meeting, O’Neil likened Howard to the illustrious Negro Leagues standout Josh Gibson, known for his staggering .466 batting average with the 1943 Homestead Grays. Although Howard himself felt unworthy of the comparison, his impressive record of hitting at least 45 home runs in four seasons confirmed his prowess. O’Neil offered Howard important advice, urging him to embrace his talent.
Following O’Neil’s passing in 2006, Howard has committed to advancing the legacy of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, a cause O’Neil keenly championed. As an NL MVP winner who led the Phillies to a World Series win, Howard is eager to support the museum’s expansion efforts. The museum aims to establish a 30,000-square-foot facility, intended to promote the rich history of Negro Leagues baseball and its broader impact on social progress in America.
Howard, along with San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt, has announced participation in the Negro Leagues’ “Pitch for the Future,” a campaign designed to heighten the awareness of the Negro Leagues’ enduring legacy through the proposed expansion. Bob Kendrick, president of the museum, stated an ambitious fundraising goal of $30 million to see the project to fruition. Kendrick emphasized this expansion reflects the growth and the increased interest the subject matter has garnered over the years.
The popularity of the Negro Leagues has surged, partly due to its integration into the video game MLB The Show and the incorporation of the records of over 2,300 players into the official Major League Baseball statistics last year. Since its inception in a modest one-room office in 1990, the museum now hosts approximately 70,000 visitors annually, including major league teams on road trips, indicating it has outgrown its 18th and Vine location.
Kendrick explained that the current space was not designed to manage large crowds efficiently. He remains hopeful about coordinating the expansion’s completion with Kansas City potentially hosting the World Cup next year, aiming for a museum grand opening in 2027. Although this timeline is ambitious, Kendrick considers it attainable.
Long before he became one of the National League’s most formidable hitters, Howard had visited the museum, appreciating the dedication shown by Negro League players who never had the chance to showcase their skills in Major League Baseball. Particularly powerful to Howard was the museum’s Field of Legends exhibit, which features 13 life-size statues of the first Negro Leaguers enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, providing a profound respect for their enduring journey.
Howard highlighted the importance of maintaining and spreading the narrative surrounding Black baseball, explaining its integral connection with Major League Baseball’s history. Despite Black players making up just 6.2% of MLB opening day rosters in 2023, Howard noted the ongoing struggle to interest Black youth in the game. He sees progress, as more young Black kids are beginning to rediscover baseball, emphasizing the need for representation on television.
Hailing from Missouri and inspired by Black St. Louis Cardinals stars like Willie McGee, Vince Coleman, and Terry Pendleton, Howard acknowledged the same enthusiasm exists when he and fellow Black MVP Jimmy Rollins became fan favorites during the Phillies’ 2008 World Series win. Shildt, a frequent museum visitor during his time managing the Cardinals, remains optimistic that the expansion will provide the necessary tools to educate new generations. He pointed out that while the museum has achieved much through grassroots efforts, telling the complete story requires more extensive resources.