Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat returns for ninth season in 2015

KANSAS CITY, MO (March 30, 2015) - As part of an on-going effort to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Buck O'Neil, the Kansas City Royals and FOX Sports Kansas City will once again partner on the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat program in 2015. 

Since 2007, the club has paid tribute to the lasting impact O'Neil had on the game of baseball and the Kansas City area by filling "Buck's seat" with a member of the community who embodies his vibrant spirit. O'Neil spent many days and nights supporting the Royals from behind home plate at Kauffman Stadium, both as a scout and fan. 

Honorees will enjoy the game from "Buck's seat" behind home plate and will be recognized during the Royals in-stadium pregame ceremony and in an announcement during the game. FSKC is once again partnering with the Royals on the program by featuring Buck Seat honorees during FSKC home telecasts. In addition to five game tickets, honorees also receive loaded value onto their tickets to be used at concessions or at the team store, a parking pass and a commemorative plaque celebrating his/her day at The K.

The Royals invite fans throughout the Midwest to nominate individuals they feel are worthy of filling "Buck's seat" by visiting www.royals.com/buckseat. Please note that fans who have nominated individuals who have not been selected in previous years are asked to submit a new nomination with updated information for consideration for the upcoming season.

To open the 2015 season, the Royals will honor former Vice President of Baseball Operations and Assistant General Manager Dean Taylor. An integral part the 2014 American League Championship Front Office, Taylor retired following the season after 39 years in professional baseball. He will continue to serve the Royals in 2015 as a consultant.

The Lee's Summit resident began his Major League career with the Royals organization from 1981-89, worked in the Commissioner's Office at Major League Baseball, and spent nine seasons as the Atlanta Braves Assistant General Manager. Later, following stints with the Milwaukee Brewers (Senior Vice President and General Manager, 2000-02), Los Angeles Dodgers (consultant, 2003) and Cincinnati Reds (Assistant General Manager, 2003-06), he returned to the Royals in June, 2006.