BUCK O’NEIL AWARD

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Award

The Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award is presented by the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors not more than once every three years to honor an individual whose extraordinary efforts enhanced baseball’s positive impact on society, broadened the game’s appeal, and whose character, integrity and dignity are comparable to the qualities exhibited by O’Neil. The Award, named after the late Buck O’Neil, was first given in 2008, with O’Neil being the first recipient.

A permanent, life-size bronze statue of O’Neil was dedicated in the Museum in 2008 accompanied by a list of award recipients and a plaque to educate Museum visitors about O’Neil’s contributions to the game. Each honoree will receive a smaller statue at the Induction Ceremony during Hall of Fame Weekend.

Buck O’Neil Award Winners

2008 - BUCK O’NEIL

In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum honored the legacy of the late John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil with the creation of its namesake Lifetime Achievement Award.

Buck O’Neil in a Cubs uniform — (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)

2011 - ROLAND HEMOND

Roland Hemond was the 2011 and second recipient of the John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award. Hemond revolutionized front-office management and strategy during a seven-decade career in baseball, while spending his post-general manager days assisting baseball family members in need.

2014 - JOE GARAGIOLA

Garagiola was a big league catcher for four teams during a nine-season (1946-54) career and then began a lengthy radio-television broadcast career that culminated with him winning the 1991 Ford C. Frick Award.

2017 - RACHEL ROBINSON

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Board of Directors selected Rachel Robinson as the 2017 recipient of the John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award. Robinson became the fourth winner of the Buck O’Neil Award.

2020 - DAVID MONTGOMERY

Montgomery became a Philadelphia icon while spending his entire career in baseball, spanning parts of five decades, devoted to the Phillies, working his way up from the sales office to become executive vice president and chief operating officer before acquiring an ownership stake in the team.

2023 - CARL ERSKINE

Carl Erskine was the 2023 recipient of the John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award. Erskine’s time atop a pitching mound earned him a long list of impressive numbers and achievements, but his life after the diamond helping others is when his star shined the brightest.

2026 - BILL WHITE

Bill White is the 2026 recipient of the John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award. As a player, broadcaster and executive, White blazed trails in the game as a standout performer at every level.

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The Board of Directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is thrilled to honor Buck O’Neil as the first recipient of this award, named after him. Buck touched every facet of baseball, and his impact was among the greatest the game has ever known. The Board recognizes this impact Buck had on millions of people, as he used baseball to teach lessons of life, love and respect. His contributions to the game go well beyond the playing field. This award will recognize future recipients who display the spirit Buck showed every day of his life.
Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

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NOMINATIONS

The Buck O’Neil Award is open to nominations from the public, at any time, through written submissions. Nominations should detail how the proposed candidate carries O’Neil’s extraordinary traits. Letters of nomination should be submitted to: Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Only submissions received by mail will be considered.

To be considered, nominations must be received by June 30 of any year preceding the announcement of a potential Buck O’Neil Award winner. The next O’Neil Award is eligible to be presented in 2029; nominations must be received by June 30, 2028.