KANSAS CITY, MO (January 31, 2013) – The Kansas City Royals and FOX Sports Kansas City today announced a 142-game television schedule for the 2013 season, featuring two exhibition games and 140 regular season games.

The Royals and FOX Sports Kansas City are entering the sixth season of a long-term agreement in which FOX Sports Kansas City is the exclusive television home of Royals baseball.  The 140-game regular season television schedule features 67 road games and 73 from Kauffman Stadium.  Every game on FOX Sports Kansas City will be preceded by a 30-minute pre-game show, “Hy-Vee Royals Live,” and followed by the “Boulevard Royals Live” post-game show.  All 140 regular season telecasts will be presented in High Definition.

FOX Sports Kansas City’s coverage of Royals baseball kicks off with a Spring Training telecast from Surprise, Ariz., on Monday, March 25, when the Royals host the Los Angeles Dodgers at 8:05 p.m. (CDT).  A second exhibition game will be broadcast on Wednesday, March 27, when Kansas City hosts the Chicago Cubs, also at 8:05 p.m. (CDT).

FSKC will air Kansas City’s Opening Day contest on April 1 at Chicago as well as the April 8 home opener vs. Minnesota.

Ryan Lefebvre will call 90 regular season games and one exhibition for Fox Sports Kansas City and Steve Physioc will provide the play-by-play on 50 games during the season and one exhibition.  Rex Hudler will return for his second season as the analyst and Royals’ Hall of Famer, Jeff Montgomery, will provide analysis throughout the season on Royals Live with host Joel Goldberg.

The complete season schedule with telecasts is listed on the attached schedule, which you can download by clicking here.  All game times and the TV schedule are subject to change.

Southwest Missouri may be St. Louis Cardinals country, but in a Ziggie’s Cafe at the corner of Glenstone and Sunshine in Springfield, Missouri, a dedicated group of around 250 Royals fans showed up to meet and greet current Royals players Aaron Crow, Everett Teaford and Louis Coleman. Joining them were Royals Hall of Famer Willie Wilson, Fox Sports Kansas City broadcaster Joel Goldberg and Royals mascot Sluggerrr.

The Springfield stop was supposed to start at 6:30pm, but with good fan turnouts in Clinton and Joplin, the Caravan arrived around 6:50pm. In a few minutes everything was set up and the players took their seats. Toby Cook, Vice President of Community Affairs and Publicity for the Royals, said a few words about the history of the Royals Caravan, thanking and welcoming the fans who filled Ziggie’s Cafe.

Then Joel Goldberg addressed the crowd, saying he was “All excited for 2012.” Goldberg said many people approach him, saying the 71 win 2011 team was like the recent Royals teams. But he disagrees, asking them, “Were you watching?” He continued, “This team was in every single game for the first time in a lot of years and fans were excited to see the future.” He talked about the Royals debuting 12 new players in 2011 and the Royals chances in 2012. “The media folks and the baseball experts have been talking about the Royals being a real player this year.” After Goldberg introduced the players, fans lined up to talk and get autographs from the players while Sluggerrr hammed it up with the fans.

A couple of the fans in line were John and his young son Sam from Willard, MO. Like most young boys, Sam was a little shy when I tried to talk to him, but he was enjoying the experience. Sam’s father John has been a Royals fan “for a while,” although it was “off and on” during the Royals lean years, when he watched many games where the Royals found a way to lose.

But this year, John has more optimism. “When it starts, I’m optimistic every year. It’s a great time of year, it’s a clean slate. They’ve [the Royals] done a good job with players in the pipeline and if they produce like they did in the minors, there’s lots of reasons to be optimistic.” John continued, “Once they get the team going, they [the Royals] have good fans. They’re going to get more fans when they start winning. There’s brighter days ahead.” He quickly added, “Hopefully.”

Joe Robles, a “true” Royals fan from Springfield, MO, has been a fan since 1969. He attended the 1973 All-Star Game and hopes to attend the 2012 All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium.

While most fans at the event brought baseballs, baseball bats and hats to sign, Robles brought a Royals toaster autographed by Billy Butler, Mike Montgomery and Kila Ka’aihue. Yes, a toaster that imprints the Royals logo in the toast. He bought the toaster online and he says “I only use it when the Royals win. It’s been in practice, getting geared up. We’re ready for the good times now.” The toaster was a hit with Goldberg and the players, who added their names to the toaster that could toast a lot of bread this season.

Andrew and Amy Christensen, a couple from Houston, MO, traveled 90 miles for the opportunity to meet and greet the Royals caravan and get their baseball autographed. Their favorite players of the group were Willie Wilson and Aaron Crow, with Amy saying with a laugh, “I have high hopes for Crow.”

Andrew and Amy have been Royals fans for around eight years, despite the Houston area being a part of Cardinal Nation. They went to Kauffman Stadium and loved the experience at the ballpark. Amy liked the more affordable prices and kid friendly activities at Kauffman Stadium compared to the prices and kid friendly activities at Busch Stadium. “There’s a whole lot more to do at the K,” added Andrew.

As for expectations for the Royals in 2012, Andrew hopes for “.500 or better. That would be a change.”

The Royals Caravan would not be possible without the work of Royals Public Relations members Amanda Putnam and Toby Cook. Amanda, who works with Royals Charities, was pleased with the turnout at the Clinton and Joplin stops, but she was “very happy” with the turnout of fans in Springfield. “It was nice for the guys to pull up and see everyone lined up outside. That’s awesome to see.”

Cook agreed, seeing the optimism of the fans attending the Caravan. “We’ve had great stops the whole time. This might be one of our best caravan seasons in a long time.”

With the Royals on-field performance in recent years, Cook mentioned the challenges of doing public relations for the Royals. “When times are good, you kind of sit back and enjoy it. You let it come to you. When times are not so good, you gotta go out and make it happen.” But Cook says there’s optimism in 2012. “Once we start winning, and I think it will happen sooner rather than later, we’re [going to] enjoy some of the good will. There’s nothing like winning.”

Cook also talked about Kauffman Stadium hosting the upcoming 2012 All-Star Game and what it could mean for the Royals to be contenders in the Al Central. “Major League baseball has told us you’ll be surprised at the good luck having the All-Star Game will bring a team.”

But it will take more than luck for the Royals to improve in 2012. Players like Royals reliever Louis Coleman know of the challenges ahead. When asked about what the team needs to do to succeed in 2012, Coleman said, “Last year, we played well and competed, but just fell short by one or two runs a lot and [we need] to figure out how to win late in the games. That could win us 15-20 more games and we could have an entirely different season.” Coleman sees the Detroit Tigers as the team to beat in the AL Central.

Coleman enjoyed his Royals Caravan experience and having the chance to meet and greet the fans. “I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s been a lot of fun visiting the Royals community outside Kansas City, trying to promote the Royals and to get everyone excited about the upcoming season as much as we are.”

The fans attending the Springfield stop of the Royals Caravan shared that excitement, talking to the current players about the future and talking to Willie Wilson about the glory days of the 70’s and 80’s. Are the Kansas City Royals and their fans optimistic this year? The Royals new slogan for 2012 is “Our Time.” For the Royals and their fans, 2012 could be when the glory days return.

ROYALS CARAVAN CONTINUES WITH STOPS IN MISSOURI, KANSAS & ARKANSAS
Participants include Billy Butler, Louis Coleman, Aaron Crow, Danny Duffy, Greg Holland & Everett Teaford

KANSAS CITY, MO (January 11, 2012) – The annual Royals Caravan presented by Fox Sports Kansas City continues next week with stops in cities across Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas.

Beginning in 1968, the Royals have embarked on the annual Royals Caravan to visit fans throughout the Midwest. This January, several current and former Royals players, broadcasters and front office personnel are joining Royals mascot Sluggerrr for Caravan events.

One Royals contingent will make stops in Cameron, Maryville and St. Joseph, Mo., before heading into Kansas for appearances in Topeka and Wichita. The other traveling party will head south, visiting Clinton, Joplin and Springfield,Mo., and Pittsburg, Kan. The South Caravan will also take part in a Baseball Luncheon hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Springdale Rotary Club in Springdale, Ark., on Monday, January 16. Chairman/Owner David Glass is scheduled to attend the event and briefly address luncheon guests.

Royals scheduled to appear during the second week include designated hitter Billy Butler and pitchers Louis Coleman, Aaron Crow, Danny Duffy, Greg Holland and Everett Teaford. In addition, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, broadcasters Joel Goldberg and Steve Stewart, and Royals Hall of Famers Jeff Montgomery and Willie Wilson are also scheduled to participate.

A tentative schedule of Caravan events for Sunday, January 15-Monday, January 16 is listed below and also available at www.royals.com/caravan.

2012 Royals Caravan presented by Fox Sports Kansas City

Sunday, January 15 Missouri/Kansas Trip – Day #1

Participants: Billy Butler, Danny Duffy, Greg Holland, Kevin Seitzer, Steve Stewart

Cities: Cameron, St. Joseph and Maryville, MO

Events: Noon – 1 p.m. Meet & Greet at Whistle Stop Cafe – 7718 Northeast Old

Highway 69 in Cameron (Hosted by KKWK Radio)

2-3:30 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Hy-Vee – 201 N. Belt Hwy. in

Joplin (Hosted by KFEQ Radio)

4:30-5:30 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Nodaway County Senior Center –

1210 East 1st Street in Maryville (Hosted by KNIM Radio)

Sunday, January 15 South Trip – Day #1

Participants: Louis Coleman, Aaron Crow, Everett Teaford, Willie Wilson, Joel Goldberg

Cities: Clinton, Joplin and Springfield, Mo.

Events: 12:30-1:30 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Strike Zone Family Fun Center –

1321 E. Ohio in Clinton (Hosted by KDKD Radio)

4-5 p.m. Meet & Greet at Northpark Mall –

101 N. Rangeline Rd. in Joplin (Hosted by KKOW Radio)

6:30-7:30 p.m. Meet & Greet at Ziggie’s Café –

1772 S. Glenstone Ave. in Springfield (Hosted by KWTO Radio)

Monday, January 16 Missouri/Kansas Trip – Day #2

Participants: Billy Butler, Danny Duffy, Greg Holland, Jeff Montgomery, Steve Stewart

Cities: Topeka and Wichita, Kan.

Events: 11:30-12:45 p.m.: WIBW Radio Luncheon at Mr. Stirfry – 1700 S.W.

Wanamaker Rd. in Topeka (Hosted by WIBW Radio)

** Private event. Members of the media are invited to attend. **

12:45-1:45 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Mr. Stirfry – 1700 S.W. Wanamaker Rd. in

Topeka (Hosted by WIBW Radio)

4:30-5:30 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Kansas Sampler –

5918 Southwest 21st St. in Wichita (Hosted by KFH-AM)

Monday, January 16 South Trip – Day #2

Participants: Louis Coleman, Aaron Crow, Everett Teaford, Willie Wilson, Joel Goldberg

Cities: Springdale, Ark. and Pittsburg, Kan.

Events: 11:30 am-1:30 pm: Baseball Luncheon at Holiday Inn –

1500 South 48th St. in Springdale

(Hosted by NW Arkansas Naturals & Springdale Rotary Club)

** Royals Chairman/Owner David Glass is scheduled to attend the event and briefly address luncheon guests. Contact the NW Arkansas Naturals for more information at (479) 927-4900. **

4-5 p.m. Meet & Greet at Meadowbrook Mall – 202 E. Centennial Dr.

in Pittsburg (Hosted by KKOW Radio)

Please note that all participants are subject to change.

Naturals again welcome Royals Caravan for 2012
Annual winter caravan stopping in Springdale on January 16^th

SPRINGDALE, AR - Although the grass is not green and the nights are chilly, the 2012 home opener at Arvest Ballpark is less than 100 days away. With that in mind, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to welcome the Kansas City Royals 2012 Winter Caravan as it makes its yearly stop in what has become an annual tradition of kicking off a new year of baseball in our area.

The signature event for this year’s caravan will be a lunch held in cooperation with the Springdale Rotary Club on Monday, January 16^th at the Holiday Inn in Springdale at 1500 S. 48^th Street. The lunch program will begin at 11:30. Several Royals of past and present will be on hand to meet and greet fans, sign autographs, and take questions and answers from Naturals fans.

Admission is $15 per person which includes a buffet lunch, and fans are encouraged to call (479) 927-4900 to purchase tickets. Naturals’ season ticket holders and mini-pack holders may purchase their tickets for a discounted rate of $10 over the phone or at the Arvest Ballpark front office. Rotary club members of Northwest Arkansas may reserve their seats by contacting Courtney Palfreeman at (479) 530-8060.

Attending the caravan this season are two prominent Kansas City Royals’ alums – former outfielder Willie Wilson and former infielder Kevin Seitzer, who currently serves as the Royals’ hitting coach at the Major League level. Current Royals’ pitchers and former Naturals Louis Coleman, Everett Teaford, and Aaron Crow will also be on hand and will participate in an audience-driven question and answer session that will be emceed by Joel Goldberg, the host of the Royals’ pre- and post-game shows on Fox Sports Kansas City, and Toby Cook, the Royals’ Vice President for Community Affairs and Publicity. Royals’ Chairman and Owner David Glass will also be in attendance.

Coleman, a fifth-round selection of the Royals in the 2009 draft out of LSU, was sensational as a rookie right-hander in the Royals’ bullpen this past season, posting a 2.87 ERA in 48 relief outings and fanning 64 batters in 54 2/3 innings pitched. A member of the Naturals’ 2010 Texas League Championship team, the 25-year old spent the first half of the 2010 season with the Naturals, posting a stellar 2-1 record and 2.09 ERA in 21 outings with six saves, earning a spot on the Texas League All-Star team.

The Naturals’ 2010 Pitcher of the Year, Teaford spent part of the 2009 season and all of 2010 in Northwest Arkansas and made his Major League debut this past May. In 26 games with the Royals, including three starts, the southpaw posted a 2-1 record with one save and a 3.27 ERA and just 36 hits allowed in 44 innings of work. In his stellar 2010 season, Teaford established a Naturals’ franchise record with 14 wins against just three losses, making 27 appearances, including 12 starts. His spectacular playoff pitching in both 2009 and 2010 helped the Naturals reach two consecutive Texas League Championship Series. Following the 2010 season the 27-year old was one of six Royals farmhands chosen to represent Team USA in the Pan American Games Qualifying Tournament, a group that also included former Naturals and current Royals’ starters Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas.

Crow, who emerged as a key cog in Royals’ manager Ned Yost’s bullpen last season in just his second professional season, posted a 4-4 record and 2.76 ERA in 57 appearances with the Royals, striking out 65 batters in 62 innings. The 25-year old was also selected as the Royals’ lone representative for the American League’s All-Star Team. He was the Royals’ first-round pick (12^th overall) in the 2009 draft and began his first professional season in the Naturals’ rotation, where he was the Opening Day starter and posted a 7-7 mark for the eventual Texas League Champions.

Seitzer was an 11^th round selection by the Royals in the 1983 draft and made his MLB debut with Kansas City in 1986 as a first baseman. The following season, he flip-flopped positions with Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett during a rookie season that saw him bat .323 with 15 home runs and 207 hits, earning him the first of two selections to the American League All-Star team. Seitzer went on to a distinguished big league career that saw him bat .295 with 1,557 hits over a career that spanned 12 seasons spent with the Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, and Cleveland Indians. Following his playing career, the 49-year old Seitzer served as the Arizona Diamondbacks hitting coach for a portion of the 2007 season, and was named to the same post with the Royals prior to the start of the 2009 season.

Wilson was a switch-hitting speed demon who was drafted by Kansas City in the first round of the 1974 draft. Perfectly suited to cover the large outfield at Kauffman Stadium, Wilson made his debut two seasons after he was drafted and went on to have a 19-year career in the big leagues, rapping out 2,207 hits and swiping 668 bases while batting .285. Much of that career (1976-1990) was spent with the Royals. He was an American League All-Star in 1982 and 1983, was a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, a winner of a Gold Glove in 1980, and a member of the Kansas City Royals’ 1985 World Series Championship team. After his playing career the 56-year old Wilson served as a coach in the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system in 1995 and 1997 and currently runs the Willie Wilson Baseball Foundation in Kansas City.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. The 2011 season begins on Thursday, April 7th. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.