The iconic Broadway Bridge is now named after an even more iconic Kansas City figure, Buck O'Neil.
Thursday morning, city leaders revealed the new sign at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, 10 years to the day of O'Neil's death.
The 40,000 commuters who drive that bridge daily will now see the big green sign reading "John Jordan 'Buck' O'Neil Memorial Bridge."
Look at that sign! Broadway Bridge now the Buck O'Neil Memorial Bridge @41ActionNews pic.twitter.com/APr8tkQGtV
— Sarah Plake (@SarahPlakeTV) October 6, 2016
Museum President Bob Kendrick is one of the many people who worked hard for years to make this possible. He said Buck was a bridge himself; bringing all types of people together through his love for the game.
O'Neil was first baseman and manager for the Kansas City Monarchs from 1938 to 1955. He went on to become the first black coach in MLB History for the Chicago Cubs, where he held that position for 33 years. He returned to Kansas City as a scout for the Royals in 1988.
He helped establish the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. In his 80s, he earned even more fame when he appeared in numerous documentaries and interviews talking about his experiences.
The sign is a big moment for Kansas City, and leaders hope it'll teach even more people about the legacy Buck leaves behind.
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Sarah Plake can be reached at Sarah.Plake@KSHB.com
