06/03/2005 1:31 PM - Kansas City - The Kansas City T-Bones are pleased to announce that the independent Northern League’s official charity for the 2005 baseball season is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), located on 18th and Vine in Kansas City, Mo. A formal announcement will be made by Northern League Commissioner Mike Stone and NLBM Chairman Buck O’Neil on Thursday, June 2 at 11:00 am at CommunityAmerica Ballpark’s George Brett (390) suite, prior to the 12:05 pm game between the T-Bones and Lincoln Saltdogs.

Founded in 1990, the NLBM is a privately-funded, non-profit organization dedicated to the rich history of African-American baseball. With a 10,000 square foot facility opened in 1997, the NLBM provides a house for multimedia displays, photographs and artifacts pertaining to the Negro Leagues.

“Our support of the NLBM has a three pronged approach,” said T-Bones general manager Rick Muntean. “First, we will drive fans to the museum with their T-Bones ticket stubs, which are good for a $2 discount. As well, we are taking nominal donations at the ballpark for the announcement of birthdays and anniversaries, which will be donated to the NLBM. Finally, we’ll have a night where the T-Bones dress in Kansas City Monarchs jerseys and will be managed by a Kansas City treasure in Buck O’ Neil.”

The T-Bones have also amassed a cornucopia of baseball memorabilia from major and minor league teams which will be auctioned off on the date of the Negro League salute, which has yet to be determined.

“The Northern League is very proud and honored to be establishing this relationship with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum,” commented Northern League commissioner Mike Stone. “This great organization has allowed the Negro Leagues to maintain its rightful place as a major part of the history of professional baseball. The Northern League, which has also created a rich Independent League tradition, is looking forward to assisting the NLBM in their very important efforts.” The Northern League, in existence since 1993, is the preeminent independent league in professional baseball. Its per-game attendance of 4,269 ranks it atop all of the independent leagues in minor league baseball and fifth among all minor leagues.

“The NLBM is a Kansas City cornerstone,” commented T-Bones owner John Ehlert. “We’re proud to be a part of the partnership to ensure the museum is vibrant now and long into the future.” The reigning Northern League “Organization of the Year,” the T-Bones averaged over 5,000 fans a game last season in attendance at award-winning CommunityAmerica Ballpark.