kings of kc
Welcome to a special tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the inaugural Negro Leagues World Series. This momentous event is a celebration and a journey back in time as we honor the trailblazing athletes who paved the way for future generations.
Celebrate the Legacy
100th Anniversary of the Inaugural Negro Leagues World Series
This series didn’t just entertain; it changed perceptions and laid the groundwork for the integration of baseball. It reminded everyone that greatness knows no boundaries.”
— Bob Kendrick, President, NLBM
The stars
Five Baseball Hall of Famers took part in the 1924 series. Biz Mackey, Judy Johnson, and Louis Santop played for Hilldale, while Bullet Rogan and José Méndez suited up for the Monarchs. Monarchs owner J. L. Wilkinson also has a place in Cooperstown.
One of the best pitchers in the Eastern Colored League, Nip Winters was a tall, left-handed Hilldale player known for his fast curveballs. Winters led his team to league titles, as well as a World Series win in 1925. During the 1924 World Series, he pitched 4 complete games including a shutout, with a 1.16 ERA, winning three games for the Daisies.
At just 5’7” and 160 pounds, and pitching without a windup, Bullet Rogan swung a bat heavier than Babe Ruth’s and threw harder than Satchel Paige. His stamina and versatility was evident in the 1924 Negro World Series. He pitched 3 complete games, relieved in another, and put up a 2.57 ERA. Plus, he batted .325 while playing in the outfield in the other 6 games.
Famously known as “El Diamante Negro” or the Black Diamond, Jose Méndez was a legendary Cuban pitcher with a deceptive fastball and a knee-buckling curveball. Méndez served as player-manager during the Monarchs’ inaugural season in 1920, again from 1923 to 1925, and led the team to its first Colored World Series Championship in 1924. The team compiled a 196 – 100 record under his leadership.
William Julius “Judy” Johnson was celebrated for his impeccable contact hitting and outstanding defensive skills. Johnson was a respected leader during his 17-season career, particularly with the Hilldale Daisies, securing three straight Eastern Colored League pennants and a Colored World Series title in 1925. Johnson’s extraordinary legacy was honored with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975.
ten Games, One Legacy
In 1924, the Kansas City Monarchs faced off against the Hilldale Athletic Club in a groundbreaking ten-game series that would go down in history. This wasn’t just any series of ball games; it was a statement to Major League Baseball and the world about the legitimacy and talent within the Negro Leagues, formed just four years earlier in 1920.
In this thrilling back-and-forth series, with one game that even ended in a tie on account of darkness, the Kansas City Monarchs emerged victorious. Each pitch, each swing, and each run scored cemented their place in history — a testament to the resilience and passion of these pioneer ball players.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SERIES
PIONEERS OF THE DIAMOND
What did the Negro Leagues Franchise, the Kansas City Monarchs mean to Kansas City? Everything. On opening day, the Monarchs would take the field to the thunder of a marching band and the cheers of over 17,000 fans, in a stadium that only held 15,000.
The Kansas City Monarchs were one of the Negro Leagues’ most famous and successful clubs. One of eight charter members of the Nego National League, they won 12 league championships including the inaugural Colored World Series in 1924. They won every season they played bar one, and produced more Major League players than any other Negro Leagues franchise.
The Monarchs triumphed despite challenging schedules and racial prejudice in the towns they visited, sleeping in their team bus where Jim Crow laws prevailed. Through it all, the team shone as a model organization, and their impact moved well beyond the baseball field. They supported civic activities in the Black community and their winning spirit was a tremendous source of pride in Kansas City, and beyond.
Partnership Activations
A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM ALL ACTIVATIONS BENEFIT THE NLBM
j. Rieger & co.
KANSAS CITY MONARCHS: WHISKEY FINISHED IN KC BIER CO. BARRELS
This Kansas City Whiskey finished in KC Bier Co. barrels are inspired by the Kansas City Monarchs, the longest-running franchise in Negro Leagues history, 12-time league title holders, and two-time Negro World Series Champions. Of course, beer and baseball go hand in hand, and these beer casks add a uniquely malty character to our category-redefining Kansas City Whiskey. The 94 proof celebrates Monarch legend and Kansas City hero Buck O’Neil, who lived to 94 years of age.
Boulevard Brewing Co. Salute to the Monarchs Belgian-Style Tripel Ale
Boulevard Brewing Co. and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum announce a new Belgian-Style Tripel, Salute to the Monarchs. The limited release, from the Smokestack Series, commemorates the 1924 Kansas City Monarchs, Kansas City’s first champions, and Boulevard’s throwing a party to celebrate. The beer will be available in the Kansas City metro area, Lawrence, Topeka and Wichita (while supplies last, as it is a one-time release and limited quantity). Click the link below to learn where you can purchase the Salute to the Monarchs Beer.
Hy-Vee
Kansas City Monarchs Reusable Bags
Exclusive Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Hy-Vee reusable bags are available for a limited time only! $1 from every bag sold will benefit the museum. Available at all Kansas City metro area Hy-Vee locations while supplies last. Not local to Kansas City ? Call the store now at 816-478-6557 to place an order by phone only!
Guys Snacks
Commemorative Legendary Potato Chips
In a city known for its professional sports championship teams, the 1924 Kansas City Monarchs were Kansas City’s first. Guys Snacks is proud to partner with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Monarchs winning the inaugural Negro Leagues World Series. Our legendary original chips honors our hometown original champs! A portion of every bag sold benefits the NLBM.
Vine Stree Brewing Co.
$1 per Beer Support Ticket
Cheers to the Champs! Join Vine Street Brewing Co. in support of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Kansas City Monarchs’ historic win in 1924 and honor the legacy of the legends who paved the way. Bring your ticket from the museum to Vine Street Brewing Co., and $1 from each beer will be donated back to the museum. Let’s make history together!
Stay tuned for more commemorative releases
Keep the legacy alive
If ever you have had a tough day, there’s not a better place to be than the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. It gives you perspective on life today, life a century ago, and more than anything — much like our Negro Leagues players, coaches, managers, fans and others, how you can persevere in times of challenge, ensure how you can find any number of triumphs in your own life, and be an inspiration for your community.“
— Mayor Quinton Lucas, City of Kansas City, Missouri
Exhibition and Museum Info
Everybody, everybody—anybody who played baseball wanted to play with the Monarchs.”
— Hall of Famer Hilton Smith
The Kings of KC — a History of the Kansas City Monarchs is now open at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. This free, self-guided tour features stories, experiences, hundreds of photographs, artifacts and much more, highlighting the stories and legacy of Kansas City’s pioneer team. Length of tour varies but we recommend a minimum of an hour to fully enjoy the exhibit.
Discover more incredible stories about the Black players who shaped the game and broke barriers. Explore the Negro Leagues Baseball Musuem. There’s no better place to be.
Your donation helps us preserve the rich history of the Negro Leagues and keep the legacy alive for future generations. With your gift, you ensure their stories continue to inspire.
