'Kings of KC' exhibit honoring Kansas City Monarchs opens at Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Kendrick, as the curator, had the arduous task of selecting which stories were the best to include. He wanted to do the team (and its history) justice while also presenting the exhibit in a way that people would feel connected to it.

That was also the case for the museum’s general counsel and director of listening, Tom Busch.

“This exhibit is really a golden opportunity to recognize the (Monarchs’) greatness by focusing in on this first World Series championship,” Busch said. ”That, and all of the great players that were not only playing on this team, but those that followed.

“It’s just a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone’s focus back to where things started.”

Part of the work of the museum, Busch continued, is the unfortunate reality that many only learn about the Monarchs and key figures from the Negro Leagues for the first time when they step inside. As a storied franchise, Busch said, the Monarchs still don’t quite receive due recognition.

That said, Kendrick emphasized the players who are still around from that time need neither validation nor pity.

“They knew how good their league was,” Kendrick said. “And quite frankly, the major leaguers knew how good they were. There was a natural feeling about it. They weren’t seeking validation, but for historical validation, this was tremendously significant. ... It was well-deserved, well-earned recognition.”

A few minutes after Kendrick finished his opening remarks, the podium in the lobby of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum sat empty again. Those in attendance got a first look at the exhibit, which will be open through October.

For some, it was the first time learning about some of the stories that accompanied the franchise, such as the World Series that “almost didn’t happen” and even the role that Jazz music played for those on the roster.

For others, “The Kings of KC” exhibit was another trip down memory lane. It was a reminder of the rich history that made up one of the city’s most accomplished teams. It was proof that the Monarchs were exactly that: kings.

And for Kendrick, it’s a necessary way to further spread awareness and put some of who he called the best baseball players in history back in the spotlight.

“There are those who will call the Monarchs the New York Yankees of the Negro Leagues,” Kendrick said. “But there are others who will call the New York Yankees the Kansas City Monarchs of Major League Baseball.

“They were that good.”

“The Kings of Kansas City” will be open to the public for free until Oct. 31.