Bill White Receives 2026 Buck O'Neil Award

Today, Bill White, 92, received the 2026 Buck O'Neil Lifetime Achievement Award. The Award is given to honor an individual "for extraordinary efforts to enhance baseball's positive impact on society." 

White's career as a player spanned from 1956 through 1969, although he missed all of 1957 and most of 1958 in military service. A first baseman for the Giants, Cardinals, and Phillies, White had seven 20-homer seasons, won seven Gold Gloves, and played in eight all-star games. He finished his career with a .286 batting average and 202 homers. 

In 1971, White became a broadcaster for the Yankees, a position he would hold for 18 years. In 1989, he left the broadcast booth to become NL President, which he was voted for unanimously. He served as president for five years, presiding over expansion in 1993. He later became a member of the Veterans Committee. 

Bill White served baseball for over 40 years in various capacities. His impact on the game was monumental and brought genuine improvements to our National Pastime. Congratulations to White for a well-deserved award.