KANSAS CITY, MO (September 16, 2012) – On Monday, September 17, fans will have the chance to help provide baseball equipment for Kansas City’s disadvantaged youth at a special Gloves For Kids event presented by the Royals and Ryan Lefebvre’s Footprints Foundation.  Additional support is provided by Rawlings, Rally House and 610 Sports Radio.  The event will be held at Rally House-Kansas City North, located at 8650 N. Boardwalk Ave. in Kansas City, Mo., from 6-8 p.m.

Select Royals players will sign autographs for fans who donate at least $25 toward new baseball gloves and other baseball/softball equipment for underprivileged youth in both the Kansas City area as well as the native countries of some of the event participants, including the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

Royals players scheduled to appear include:

Pitcher Louis Coleman                                    Second Baseman Johnny Giavotella
Pitcher Tim Collins                                          Pitcher Jeremy Guthrie
Pitcher Danny Duffy                                        Pitcher Kelvin Herrera
Shortstop Alcides Escobar                             Catcher Salvador Perez
Second Baseman Chris Getz                         Manager Ned Yost

Session participants will be announced at Rally House at 5 p.m.  One group of players will sign from 6-7 p.m. with the other group to follow from 7-8 p.m.  Please note that a $25 donation is required for each session, and fans will be allowed to have one item autographed by each Royals player participating in that session.  Sales for both sessions will begin at 5 p.m., and each session will be capped at 150 people.  For details, visit www.royals.com/glovesforkids.

The event will also include a Royals Charities silent auction featuring unique Royals memorabilia, including autographed items from players including Billy Butler, Mike Moustakas and George Brett, which will run until 7:45 p.m.  In addition, Bob Fescoe, host of “Fescoe in the Morning” on 610 Sports Radio, the home of the Royals, will be reporting live from Rally House from 5-7 p.m.

Created in 2001 by Lefebvre’s Footprints Foundation, the Gloves For Kids event has raised more than $85,000 to provide new baseball gloves and related equipment for Kansas City area youth.

Royals Seek Nomination For Military Veteran Tribute
Veteran to Fill Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat for Armed Forces Day Festivities

KANSAS CITY, MO (August 14, 2012) – The Kansas City Royals are inviting fans to nominate veterans for the honor of sitting in the club’s Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat during the annual Armed Forces Day celebration presented by Budweiser and the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial.  The military-themed tribute is set for Saturday, September 15 prior to the Los Angeles Angels-Royals game at 6:10 p.m.

Since 2007, the club has paid tribute to the lasting impact O’Neil had on the game of baseball and the Kansas City area by filling “Buck’s seat” with a member of the community who embodies his vibrant spirit.  In conjunction with the Armed Forces Day celebration, the Royals are calling on fans to submit nominations for deserving veterans by visiting www.royals.com/buckseat.  A panel from the National World War I Museum will then select one lucky veteran as the honoree for Armed Forces Day.

The honoree, along with four guests, will enjoy the game from “Buck’s seat” behind home plate of Kauffman Stadium.  In addition, the veteran will be recognized during the Royals pregame ceremony and FOX Sports Kansas City telecast that evening.

The Royals invite fans throughout the Midwest to participate in the nomination process.  Nominations should include a description in 100 words or less of why the nominee should be honored as well as relevant contact information.  All nominations are due by Friday, August 31 at noon CDT.  The winner will be selected the following week.

Nomination forms are available online at www.royals.com/buckseat.  Completed nominations may be submitted online or mailed to: Kansas City Royals, Attn: Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat, One Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129.  For more information, fans may call (816) 921-8000.

In addition to saluting a worthy veteran in the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat, Armed Forces Day will also include a special pregame ceremony, first pitch and more to honor our service men and women.  The first 20,000 fans will receive a camouflage KC cap courtesy of Sport Clips.  For event details, visit www.royals.com/armedforcesday. 

After more than a year of anxious anticipation, Kansas City Royals fans finally saw (via an Internet box score) Bubba Starling in action.

Let the hand-wringing begin.

The Royals top-rated prospect and the number one outfield prospect as ranked by mlb.com, fanned three times in five at bats in his first ever game as a pro at rookie league Burlington.  And that after months of contract negotiations, Nebraska Cornhusker football practices, a fall season cut short by injury, and an embarrasing arrest.

A hamstring injury kept him out of the first nine of Burlington’s 68 games, and kept Royals fans in a state of panic that their local phenom would fall short of their lofty expectations.  Any roadblock is not good for Starling. He’s old for a high-school draftee – he’ll be 20 on August 3 – and has a decidedly steep learning curve before him, coming from a Kansas high school.

Well, the wait is finally over. Now the scrutiny can begin in earnest. When you’re the number one pick (and a multi-millionaire), you can’t hide in anonymity at the rookie-league level. Starling will have all eyes on him as he sinks or swims as a professional ballplayer.

Starling went into the draft as the darling of the Kansas City area. But he burned some of that collatoral when he and Scott Boras toyed around last summer, wasting time Starling could have put into becoming a better player. The arrest and the injuries have all taken some of the shine off Starling’s star.

Time will tell if he warrants the cash, the rankings, and the anxious attention of Royals fans.

Big Brothers Big Sisters names Kansas City Royal Eric Hosmer as new spokesperson

Kansas City, Mo. — (February 1, 2012) Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer has joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City (BBBS-KC) as a new celebrity ambassador for the organization.  Hosmer will become an official celebrity spokesperson for BBBS-KC, will participate in a signature fundraising event and will lead a large scale male recruitment campaign focused on recruiting Bigs for over 300 waiting children.  Additionally, he will provide BBBS-KC Bigs and Littles game tickets and meet and greet opportunities.  Hosmer will kick off his involvement at BBBS-KC’s Man-2-Man event in April.

“Growing up in Florida I had the good fortune of having an older brother who showed me the ropes,” said Hosmer.  “Now that I’m older and in a position to help, I’m excited to be someone that the kids in the Kansas City area can look up to and it’s an honor for me to support such an outstanding organization.”

“Having Eric’s support of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program is a huge honor,” said CEO of BBBS-KC Micheal Lawrence.  “Eric’s commitment to helping at-risk children succeed through mentoring friendships is a true testament to his character.  Not only is Eric a talented athlete but he is an extraordinary person who is passionate about changing children’s lives.  We are excited to have him on board”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children beat the odds.  The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children.  Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoingsupport for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to improve children’s odds for succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breaking negative cycles.  Learn how you can change how children grow up in America by going to BigBrothersBigSisterskc.org.

Word came down this week that long-time St. Louis Cardinals manager, Tony LaRussa, had been asked by Commissioner Bud Selig to manage the National League All-Star team during the mid-summer classic. Major League Baseball’s 83rd All-Star game will be held on July 10, 2012 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City…which, if you’re somehow on this website, and didn’t know that, you should probably avoid sharp objects.

La Russa will be the second retired manager to manage in the All-Star Game, joining John McGraw, who managed the National League team in the first playing in 1933. Two other managers have worked the All-Star Game while no longer with the teams with which they won the pennant: Dusty Baker in 2003 and Dick Williams in 1974. Even still, the request by Selig didn’t come without some fans balking at the idea (Bob Davidson alert!). Just imagine it, Tony LaRussa being part of conversations where fans have a difference of opinion.

Don’t think of it as “good-bye”, guys. Think of it as, “so long for just awhile”.

I’ll say this: Anyone who thinks Tony LaRussa will manage this game with any less intensity or with a different style and approach than we’ve seen in the past simply isn’t paying attention. The guy’s developing an ulcer even as you read this, trying to decide how he’s going to handle the 6th. Not to say he won’t make a move that leaves the entire freaking world scratching their head wondering precisely WTF he was thinking, but you can bet your life’s savings he’ll have what he feels is a very good reason for making that move. Remember last time he managed an All-Star game on the 10th of July? Aaron friggin’ Rowand, are you kidding me?

I’ll say this about the All-Star game, though: If you’ve never been to one, go. Especially for you folks living in the Kansas City area, I can’t overstate it.

Go. To. This. Game.

Go to the fan fest, go to the futures game, the old-timers game, the home run derby, go see all of it, every last bit you possibly can. (If you absolutely must miss something, I’d suggest the celebrity softball game.) The All-Star game doesn’t come to town that often, and the next time it does, face it, you’ll be too old to go enjoy it. Sleep some other time. Refinance your house. Pimp your daughter. Whatever you have to do to take part in this experience, do it*.

I went to the 80th All-Star game when it came to St. Louis in 2009. During those few days, I slept only a little, and spent a whole lot. I’ve joked since then that I “…had planned on sending my daughter to college, but left field bleacher tickets to a Home Run derby & All-Star Game don’t come cheap!” But, getting to see those guys play? I mean, I checked off two lifetimes’ worth of “players I’d like to see play before I die” bucket list names that night. Oh, and being IN the highlight of the Carl Crawford catch? Priceless.

It’s pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’d encourage anyone & everyone to take advantage, and make it happen. If you’re a baseball fan, you will not regret getting to see these living legends play, live and in-person.

…As well as what’s likely to be Tony LaRussa’s last game managed.

Part of this article was taken from a piece written by Matthew Leach, who is waaay more talented than I. Hence the reason I used some of his work. (full article here).

*Don’t pimp your daughter.

ROYALS BEGIN CARAVAN WITH LOCAL AUTOGRAPH EVENT ON JANUARY 11
Rally House Event Featuring Chen, Gordon, Hosmer & More Opens Annual Caravan; Additional Stops in Kansas City & Nebraska Also on Tap for First Week of Caravan

KANSAS CITY, MO (January 9, 2012) – The annual Royals Caravan presented by FOX Sports Kansas City opens with a free autograph event for fans in the Kansas City area on Wednesday, January 11. Several Royals will appear at the Rally House: Independence Superstore from 6-8 p.m. to launch the club’s winter tradition.

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 will join Royals mascot Sluggerrr for Caravan events.

In addition to the Rally House event, the first week of Royals Caravan will also feature public stops in Lincoln and Omaha, Neb., as well as private visits to veterans at VA Hospital in Kansas City and troops stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base.

Royals scheduled to appear during the first week include pitcher Bruce Chen, second baseman Johnny Giavotella, first baseman Eric Hosmer and outfielders Lorenzo Cain, Alex Gordon and Mitch Maier. In addition, Hall of Famer George Brett, Royals Hall of Famer Dennis Leonard, former third baseman Joe Randa and broadcasters Denny Matthews and Ryan Lefebvre are also scheduled to participate.

A tentative schedule of Caravan events for Wednesday, January 11-Friday, January 13 is available at www.royals.com/caravan.

KANSAS CITY, MO (January 5, 2012) – The Fred Hutchinson Center Research Center has announced that Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler will receive the 47^th annual Hutch Award^®. The award is given each year to a Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the honor, courage and dedication of baseball great Fred Hutchinson, both on and off the field.

Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. will give the keynote address at the Hutch Award Luncheon and presentation on Wednesday, February 1 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Fred Hutchinson’s hometown. The event raises funds to benefit early cancer detection research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Butler put together a solid season as the club’s full-time designated hitter in 2011, batting .291 with 19 home runs and a career-best 95 RBI. He also recorded 44 doubles, becoming the first Royal to post three consecutive seasons with 40 or more doubles. Butler, 25, is one of 10 players in Major League Baseball since the start of 2009 with at least 500 hits, 200 runs, 50 home runs and a greater than .300 average.

Off the field, Butler is known for his selfless attitude and desire to help others. In 2008, Butler and his wife, Katie, started the Hit-It-A-Ton program to help feed disadvantaged families in the Kansas City area. Through the program, $250 is donated for each home run Butler hits with an additional $125 for each double. Hit-It-A-Ton has raised in excess of $250,000, providing more than 1,000 tons of food through two food banks and a community kitchen run by Kansas City’s Bishop Sullivan Center.

When Butler comes to Seattle to receive his Hutch Award, he will visit cancer research labs at the Hutchinson Center as well as the Hutch School, a unique K – 12 accredited education program that serves young cancer patients and school-age family members of patients.

The Hutch Award recipient is selected annually through a vote of all surviving former awardees. A total of 46 players have been honored since 1965, when Mickey Mantle accepted the inaugural award. Butler becomes the fourth Royal to win the award, joining George Brett (1980), Dennis Leonard (1986) and Mike Sweeney (2007). Former Royal Mark Teahen also won the award following the 2009 season but was a member of the Chicago White Sox at the time of his award acceptance.

The I-70 Teams seem to view their former players, managers, and traditions a bit differently.

I make now excuse or attempt to hide the fact that I am a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. I have been for a very long time. That being said, I do live in the Kansas City area and have an affinity for the Kansas City Royals. What has happened this past week is surprising to me.

The St. Louis Cardinals have two former players that are up for election to the Baseball Hall Of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York this year. Tim McCarver, once a catcher for the Cardinals, is currently a national broadcaster. Mike Shannon, former outfielder for the Redbirds, is the voice of the Cardinals radio booth currently.

Neither deserves the enshrinement, in my opinion.

That being said, Mike Shannon has been a part of the organization for a considerable amount of time. His announcing is passable, filled with long winded stories of yesterday that sometimes distracts him from describing the game action of today. His speech is sometimes hard to understand and he tends to leave fans exasperated at times.

But you know what? He is part of the Cardinal family. The team respects what he does for the franchise and the amount of time he has given to the club. They know that Mike Shannon deserves respect.

Frank White was part of the construction crew that broke ground on Royals Stadium. He spent his entire career in Royal blue, giving everything he had to a franchise that surrounded him with quality personnel. He wears a World Series Ring, the only one in history to bear the Royals logo, from 1985. He has coached, announced, and been a part of numerous celebrations for the Royals over the years.

Recently, he was fired.

Now White was not horrible as a television analyst. By no means am I claiming he was great, but he added something to the broadcast that gave it a better feel. He made it feel like “home” for the Royals fans. Like him as an announcer or not, just the mention of Frank White allowed fans to talk about one of the greatest Royals in the history of the game. There is a reason you keep guys like that around.

I am not a fan of Mike Shannon as an announcer. I was a fan of Frank White as one. I was a fan of the tradition and respect that both men brought to the franchises that supported them over the years.

The Royals sacrificed the respect and tradition for reasons unknown and unexplained.

Maybe the Royals front office should drive across Interstate 70 and take some lessons in tradition and respect from the other team in Missouri. Even though they don’t have the perfect man for the job, they have the perfect formula.

Respect those that have supported you.

Kansas City, you’re doing it wrong.

KANSAS CITY, MO – Baseball America reported this weekend that the Kansas City Royals have signed two left-handed pitchers, Marlon Arias andTommy Hottovy, to minor league contracts for the 2012 season.

Arias, a 27-year old from Bani, Dominican Republic, hasn’t appeared professionally in the United States since becoming a free agent after the 2009 season. He played his first five professional seasons in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization but has made just five appearances above the Double-A level. Signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Dodgers in 2003, his career minor league record stands at 31-19 with a 5.19 ERA in 100 career appearances, including 75 starts. This off-season, Arias is pitching for Estrellas de Oriente in the Dominican Winter League, allowing one run in three innings over five appearances. Arias pitched a nine-inning no-hitter in 2007 with the Advanced Class-A Inland Empire 66ers.

Hottovy is a 30-year old southpaw from the Kansas City area that, up until last season was primarily a Double-A veteran. A former starter coverted to a relief role, the sidewinding lefty posted a 1.93 ERA in eight Double-A relief outings with Portland (ME), then was called up to the Boston Red Sox after posting a 2.75 ERA in 24 outings with Triple-A Pawtucket. He made his big league debut on June 3^rd and appeared eight times out of the Red Sox bullpen. The former Wichita State product was the Red Sox’ fourth-round selection in the 2004 draft. He has been a teammate of current Naturals’ lefty Andrew Dobies during their time in the Red Sox’ system. Like Arias, Hottovy has been pitching winter ball, posting a 3.52 ERA in 12 outings for Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League.

Hottovy will be among the Royals’ invites to spring training and will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Royals’ bullpen, while Arias could be a candidate to see time in the Texas League next season.

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. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.

Next year’s expectations of the Kansas City Royals might be at an all-time high.

When was the last time you have been so excited for the Royals’ season to start?

For me, the answer is never.

After the Royals’ last winning season in 2003, I could not wait for Opening Day 2004 to arrive. This time around, I would multiply that by about 10. The general feel from the Kansas City area is that most people would agree.

The Royals are getting some positive national media attention for the first time in a long time. Not that that really matters to the team in general, but it helps create an even larger local buzz. Add that with the fact that Alex Gordon won his first ever Gold Glove award and Eric Hosmer (although he didn’t win the award) is considered the rookie with the brightest future of anyone in the Majors. With all those things, you’ve got a recipe for a level of excitement not rivaled by any other Royals team for over 20 years.

I cringe every time anyone says that the Royals are still a year away from really contending. It’s probably a pretty good assessment of the team, however. They still have a few pieces to fill in and some experience to gain.

But with all the buzz and anticipation, it’s impossible for me (and probably many, many others) to think the Royals can’t compete in the AL Central next year.

We all might need to curb our enthusiasm for a while because 2013 could be the time for the Royals to finally get over the hump. 2012 could be another 70-win season like this year’s campaign and they could miss out on the playoffs for the 26th straight season.

On the other hand, it’s more fun to believe that next year will be that year when they make a magical run to the postseason.

I’m going to go ahead and stick with that second option.

Royals Tweet of the Week

From the man himself, Eric Hosmer. Showed a lot of class and pride.

It's a complete honor to be named in the top 3 for rookie of the year, big congratulations to my boy Jeremy Hellickson!

November 14, 2011 1:17 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@Hos3KC

Eric Hosmer