Why 'Ted Lasso' Honors the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and What It Signifies

A Unique Connection Between Two Kansas City Icons

Bob Kendrick and Jason Sudeikis first met during Thanksgiving 2022, when Kendrick was honored to flip the switch for the 93rd annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony. The meeting was not only memorable but also significant, as the two Kansas City natives quickly found common ground. "We kind of hit it off," said Kendrick, the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Their shared love for the city and its history was evident, especially since they both happened to be wearing variations of KC Monarchs caps, sparking a conversation that eventually led to exchanging phone numbers.

Kendrick shared with Sudeikis his dream of one day creating a dramatic TV series on the Negro Leagues. Sudeikis was intrigued by the idea, and Kendrick remains committed to bringing this vision to life. "It's still something I'm steadily pitching, and I think it's going to eventually happen," he said. This dream is not just about storytelling; it's about preserving an essential part of American history that deserves broader recognition.

In the meantime, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is set to gain even more visibility through Sudeikis, who has played a pivotal role in the success of the hit Apple TV+ series "Ted Lasso." The show, known for its message of hope and belief, has become a cultural touchstone, especially during the pandemic. Now, the NLBM will have a starring role in Season 4 of the series, which promises to bring even more attention to the museum and its mission.

Kendrick is sworn to secrecy about the details of what was filmed at the museum, but he understands the significance of being part of what he calls Sudeikis' "Kansas City junket." Other filming locations include Gates Bar-B-Q on Main Street, Country Club Plaza, CPKC Stadium, and a Blue Springs neighborhood. This exposure is expected to bring international attention to the NLBM and its rich history.

The inclusion of the museum in the show resonates deeply with Kendrick, reminding him of the late Buck O’Neil, the founder of the NLBM. O’Neil once said, "I knew I was coming to the heart of America; I never knew I was coming to the center of the universe." Kendrick believes that Sudeikis’ decision to feature the NLBM reflects the same spirit of giving back that O’Neil championed throughout his life.

Kendrick was impressed by the respect and thoughtfulness shown during the filming, which included many cast and crew members purchasing merchandise from the museum. Although he declined a cameo role, he was present for much of the shoot and witnessed the dedication of the team. He also enjoyed watching a portion of the England-Spain women’s European Championship game, highlighting his passion for sports.

This collaboration is expected to bring a new audience to the NLBM, expanding its reach and increasing visitor numbers and fundraising opportunities. Kendrick is currently leading a $30 million capital campaign to build a new museum with triple the space of the current 10,000-square-foot facility. The exposure from "Ted Lasso" could play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

The impact of the show’s involvement with the NLBM is already evident. Kendrick noted that social media interactions have been "ballistic" after he posted a picture of himself with Sudeikis. He believes this will introduce the museum and its history to many who may not have considered it before. "It's going to open up this museum and its history to a lot of folks who probably had not thought about that history in any great detail," he said.

This opportunity aligns with the NLBM’s mission to keep history relevant to a changing generation. Recent efforts include MLB integrating Negro Leagues statistics into its records and featuring the leagues in the video game "MLB The Show." Kendrick sees parallels between these initiatives and the upcoming "Ted Lasso" episode, both of which aim to bring greater awareness to the story of the Negro Leagues.

Interestingly, the connection between the NLBM and "Ted Lasso" works both ways. While fans of the show may discover a newfound appreciation for the museum, Kendrick himself is looking forward to finally watching the entire series. Despite his busy schedule, he admits he has never seen "Ted Lasso" but is eager to do so now. "I'm going to sit down and watch the whole four seasons," he said, adding that he expects to enjoy the show, especially given his deep connection to the values it represents.

As the fourth season of "Ted Lasso" unfolds, Kansas City is poised to take center stage once again, much like Buck O’Neil always believed. With the help of Sudeikis and the power of television, the story of the Negro Leagues is set to reach new heights, ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire future generations.