See mural honoring Hall of Famer Buck O’Neil taking shape under namesake KC bridge
Legend tells of trolls living under bridges demanding tolls from those who cross.
The story of a giant lives under this recently completed bridge in downtown Kansas City.
A massive mural honoring Hall of Famer Buck O’Neil and his legacy in baseball is taking shape at the intersection of Broadway Boulevard and West 3rd Street in Kansas City. The 4,000-square-foot, two-block-long artwork is nearing completion on the retaining walls that support the approach ramps to the Buck O’Neil Bridge over the Missouri River.
Designed by Phil Shafer of Sike Style Industries, the large-scale mural was first created digitally, then projected onto the wall at night so outlines could be traced. During the day, a small team paints it by following color names and numbers marked directly on the surface. Shafer’s designs cover dozens of walls in the Kansas City area. Many of his works feature Kansas City Chiefs-themed images.
Shafer along with the help of four assistants, have been steadily working on the project, which was commissioned by the Missouri Department of Transportation through a formal request for quotes and a selection process.
An element of the mural pays homage to the former triple arched Buck O’Neil Bridge that was replaced with the new concrete structure last year. Beyond honoring the bridge, the mural includes images of O’Neil through his rich life in Negro Leagues and MLB baseball along with references to O’Neil’s favorite song. Other historic players who once shared the field with the legendary Kansas City Monarchs are also part of the design.
The mural is expected to be completed sometime next week.
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This story was originally published May 8, 2025 at 1:57 PM.
