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.

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

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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

Topsy’s Popcorn
3 Flavors

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Nego Leagues World Series, Topsy’s is proud to offer this collectible, commemorative popcorn canister. The canister features a panoramic photo of the 1924 Negro Leagues Baseball Word Series players. The tin contains caramel, cinnamon and cheese popcorn split into 3rds. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the NLBM.

Adidas
Mahomes 2 x NLBM Collection

Designed in collaboration with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM). The collection celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first Negro League World Series, won by the Kansas City Monarchs in 1924. Each piece in the collection is inspired in part by the uniforms and colors historically worn by the legendary Kansas City Monarchs, who won 10 championships during the franchise’s roughly three decades of Negro League play. The collection features a new NLBM colorway of the signature Mahomes 2 training shoe as well as a retro style Monarchs jersey, hoodie and hat. The items can be purchased from our store or Adidas

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 Street 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

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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.

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Museum Closure & Holiday Hours

In recognition of the Juneteenth Holiday the NLBM offices will be closed and the Exhibit and Gift Shop will be open from 10:00AM – 3:00PM on Wednesday, June 19. Normal hours  will resume on Thursday, June 20th