Buck ___, first Black coach in Major League Baseball (1962) nyt crossword clue

The clue "Buck ___, first Black coach in Major League Baseball (1962)" refers to Buck O'Neil, who was indeed the first Black coach in Major League Baseball, joining the Chicago Cubs in 1962. When solving crossword clues, it is important to: 1. **Identify Key Information**: Here, the phrase "first Black coach in Major League Baseball" is a significant hint that leads directly to a well-known historical figure. 2. **Contextual Knowledge**: Knowledge of baseball history, particularly regarding the integration of the sport, is useful. Buck O'Neil was a prominent figure, known not just for being a coach but also for his career as a player in the Negro Leagues. 3. **Letter Structure**: If you have any known letters in the answer, that can help confirm your guess. For "Buck ___", we know it should be a four-letter last name that fits with the letters you might have filled in. 4. **Cross-Referencing**: If working with an existing crossword, checking crossing words can further confirm the accuracy of the answer. In summary, the answer to the clue is "**O'NEIL**". Always keep an eye out for clues associated with specific historical events or figures as they can often lead to straightforward answers.