Kansas City Honors a Baseball Legend Forgotten by Time
In the heart of Kansas City, surrounded by a sea of colorful flowers, a small tribute stands at the grave of a true baseball legend. A simple yet heartfelt act, a bottle of super glue and an old baseball mark the resting place of Hilton Smith, a former pitcher for the Kansas City Monarchs and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. This tribute was placed there by a devoted admirer, Kevin Kenney, who feels strongly that Hilton’s contributions to baseball should not be forgotten.
A Journey of Discovery
Kenney’s connection to Hilton Smith began a few years back, on a New Year’s Eve. “I came out here a couple of years ago, maybe four, five years ago, to pay my respects to Hilton,” Kenney shared. Though he never met the man, he was compelled to learn about Smith after visiting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The experience left him inspired, unveiling a hidden world of baseball’s rich history that he had no idea existed. “I came out of there just astounded by this alternate baseball universe I knew nothing about,” he remarked.
Why Hilton Smith Matters
Kenney was deeply disappointed to find little recognition for Hilton Smith at the cemetery. “There was no mention whatsoever that this man was one of the greatest baseball players, greatest pitchers of the 20th century and that he was in Cooperstown,” he said. This revelation struck Kenney hard; he knew he had to do something to honor Smith’s legacy.
Building a Tribute
Determined, Kenney decided to commission a four-foot-tall black granite monument to commemorate Smith. During his career with the KC Monarchs, Hilton played for 12 years and even pitched a remarkable no-hitter against the Chicago American Giants in 1937. Legendary baseball player Buck O’Neil once said, “There was nobody better in this whole world,” which speaks volumes about Smith’s talent and skill.
Hilton’s Family Remember Him Well
Hilton Smith’s legacy continues through his son, DeMorris. At 87 years old, DeMorris fondly recalls his father’s achievements, saying, “I know what he did. I know what he achieved. He performed. His statistics are available.” Having been a bat boy for the Monarchs, DeMorris appreciates the journey paved by his father, emphasizing, “Because of my father, I’m sitting in this house. Everything that I have is from my father.”
A Call for Community Support
As Kenney embarks on this noble mission of honoring Hilton’s memory, he faces some financial challenges. The cemetery and the monument company have graciously offered to cut their costs, but Kenney is still about $8,000 short of the total needed for the project. “If I can do my small part to help these forgotten men, or a forgotten man like Hilton Smith, be remembered, that’s something I think I’ll be very proud of,” he expressed.
Help Honor a Legend
To bridge the funding gap, Kenney has set up a GoFundMe page aimed at raising the necessary funds for Hilton Smith’s monument. “We appreciate it,” DeMorris added, grateful for Kenney’s dedication. “Respect.” The community’s support could make a significant difference in ensuring that Hilton Smith’s legacy is not only remembered but celebrated, reminding everyone of the amazing contributions he made to the world of baseball.
