The Buck O'Neil award is a lifetime achievement award created by the hall of fame after they realized they screwed up big time by not putting Buck in there when they had the chance. Hemond became the scouting director for the Los Angeles Angels in their debut season of 1961, remaining with the franchise until 1970, when he became the Chicago White Sox's general manager. With the Sox, Hemond orchestrated a 31-game improvement over the course of the 1970-72 seasons, winning the Sporting News MLB Executive of the Year award in 1972. Hemond remained the White Sox's general manager through the 1985 season, assembling the team – led by manager Tony LaRussa – that won the 1983 American League West title. Hemond won his second Executive of the Year honor in 1983.