A unique look at the historic roots of local minority baseball will be on display Thursday evening, when the Chicago Baseball Museum documentary Buck O'Neil and Black Baseball in Chicago makes its second television appearance on WYCC-TV (Channel 20) at 7:30 p.m.

The encore presentation will take place on Nov. 13, which would have been O'Neil's 97th birthday. Written and produced by John Owens, the film made its local debut on Sunday evening.

"John Owens' Buck O'Neil and Black Baseball in Chicago documents a rich cultural and historic time for baseball, our city and our country, and it is vitally important that this history was recorded for future generations before it was too late," said Jerry Reinsdorf, White Sox board chairman. "As you watch this documentary, you realize several themes remain constant in the history of black Baseball -- Chicago, old Comiskey Park and Buck O'Neil."

The project features O'Neil's last known in-depth interview, which took place in Kansas City in 2004, two years before his death at 94 years of age. In the sitdown, he reminisces about Negro League baseball in the days of segregation as well as the major leagues in the early stage of integration.

"We are very encouraged by the early reviews that the documentary has received," said Dr. David Fletcher, Chicago Baseball Museum president. "The impact and significance of Buck O'Neil and the Negro League have been largely overlooked over the years, and we feel privileged to give them their proper due. The history of Chicago baseball is ripe with great stories such as these, and our goal is to share them with the public in the future."

Born in 1911 in Carabelle, Fla., John (Buck) O'Neil went on to spend more than 30 years with the Cubs as a scout and the first black coach in the major leagues. He was instrumental in the development of Cubs stars Ernie Banks, Lou Brock, Lee Smith and Billy Williams among dozens of African-American players. He also had close relationships with Minnie Minoso, Oscar Gamble and other White Sox personnel over the years.

Although O'Neil fell one vote short of induction before he passed away, many recognize his to be a Hall of Fame career. As a first baseman with the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League, he claimed a pair of batting titles. As Monarchs manager, his teams captured four pennants. Later in his career, in the role of scout, coach and good-will ambassador, O'Neil did much to bridge the racial gap that existed in the game.

"Buck O'Neil's life should be celebrated for its impact on the game of baseball and on American culture," said Rich King, WGN-TV sports reporter and news anchor.  "This documentary was well-researched and very informative.  All those involved in this project should feel proud."

In his youth, O'Neil was a frequent visitor to the South Side, where he watched the Chicago American Giants play in Negro League games at the Southside Grounds at 39th and Princeton, the original White Sox home. As the affable O'Neil once said, "The South Side was outstanding, man."

After the 1940 season, the Giants relocated to Comiskey Park at 35th and Shields, where they competed against O'Neil and his Monarchs teams often. He also took part four in East-West All-Star Games, which were played at Comiskey Park annually.

"Anyone who knew, or had the pleasure of meeting, Buck O'Neil saw the character of the man -- honor, integrity, passion for the game of baseball and love for people," Reinsdorf said. "Buck O'Neil and Black Baseball in Chicago illustrates just how powerful Buck's role was in connecting the history of the game, from Rube Foster to Satchel Paige to Jackie Robinson to Ernie Banks to today's stars to tomorrow's superstars. Viewed this way, Buck's influence truly will never end, and our game is so much better for it.