Chicago Baseball Museum Documentary Celebrates Early Days of Black Baseball

CHICAGO--(Business Wire)--
Baseball fans will get a unique look at the early days of
African-American baseball in Chicago in November, when the Chicago
Baseball Museum documentary "Buck O'Neil and Black Baseball in
Chicago" makes its television debut.

The film will premiere at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, on WYCC-TV.
An encore presentation will follow at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13,
which would have been the 97th birthday of O'Neil, the one-time Negro
League great.

In 2004, two years before his death, O'Neil sat down for an
interview with John Owens, Chicago Tribune writer and producer.
O'Neil talked about Chicago, the Negro League and baseball in the days
of segregation. The documentary follows O'Neil's journey from a Negro
League player to the first black coach in the major leagues.

O'Neil first came to Chicago as a spectator of the Chicago
American Giants team led by Negro League pioneer Rube Foster. The
inspired youth went on to play and manage for the Kansas City
Monarchs. He claimed two batting titles and managed four
pennant-winners. He also took part in four East-West All-Star Games,
which were held at Comiskey Park in Chicago. O'Neil spent the next 30
years with the Chicago Cubs and was directly responsible in acquiring
and developing Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Lou Brock, future Hall
of Famers. In the documentary, O'Neil shares stories from his
relationships with these and other local players.

"The impact and significance of O'Neil and the Negro League has
been largely overlooked over the years, and this documentary brings
their contributions to light," said Dr. David Fletcher, Chicago
Baseball Museum president and executive producer.

"Buck O'Neil and Black Baseball in Chicago" may become available
for purchase at a later time. Visit www.chicagobaseballmuseum.org for
more information.

ABOUT THE CHICAGO BASEBALL MUSEUM

The Chicago Baseball Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
that will collect, preserve, document, research and interpret
artifacts and events that are associated with the legacy, evolution
and contemporary life of Chicago baseball. The CBM will strive to
become the central network for baseball in Chicago by providing a safe
and neutral environment for children to celebrate and promote
baseball.

The Museum is soliciting endowment funding for the building of the
Chicago Baseball Museum and the Jerome Holtzman Education and Research
Center. www.chicagobaseballmuseum.org.

ABOUT WYCC-TV

WYCC broadcasts on channel 20 and Channel 21 Digital, serving the
Chicago Designated Market Area encompassing 26 counties in Illinois,
Indiana and Wisconsin. WYCC is carried on 244 cable headends in the
DMA, and is also featured on both Dish Networks and DirecTV satellite
delivery services. www.wycc.tv

for Chicago Baseball Museum
Michelle Benson
708-907-5301

Copyright Business Wire 2008