MLB ALL-STAR WEEK PROJECTS TO BENEFIT KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY AND BEYOND ARE MOST EXTENSIVE IN MIDSUMMER CLASSIC HISTORY
Initiatives Include Habitat for Humanity Home Builds in Communities Devastated by Tornadoes And Renovations to Baseball/Softball Fields, Veteran and Youth Facilities

Approximately $4 Million Benefits Local and National Organizations

Leading up to the 83^rd MLB All-Star Game, Major League Baseball and the Kansas City Royals will unveil the most extensive lasting legacy endeavor in MLB All-Star Week history through projects that benefit theKansas City community and beyond. The efforts feature: Habitat for Humanity home builds in partnership with families impacted by tornadoes; renovations to youth baseball/softball fields, and veteran and youth facilities; support for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; support for youth outreach programs; scholarships for college-bound students; raising funds and awareness for cancer organizations; and highlighting the importance of environmental consciousness. The community events throughout the week will begin on Friday, July 6^th and continue through Tuesday, July 10^th – the day of the Midsummer Classic at Kauffman Stadium, airing on FOX.

MLB and the Royals will donate approximately $4 million from a portion of the proceeds from Gatorade All-Star Workout Day (Monday, July 9^th) toward a variety of local and national organizations, including Stand Up To Cancer, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Operation Breakthrough, among others. Since 1997, more than $48 million has been donated to non-profit organizations from Gatorade All-Star Workout Day proceeds.

“The All-Star Game is a celebration of our sport, and one of its great traditions is giving back to the communities that host our festivities,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “All of us at Major League Baseball are honored to partner with the Royals and use the unique platform of the Midsummer Classic to help many worthy organizations and communities of the Kansas City area and beyond.”

Habitat for Humanity “All-Star Build” with State Farm, the Players Trust and Holiday Inn Hotels

MLB, State Farm, the Major League Baseball Players Trust and Holiday Inn® Hotels have teamed up with Habitat for Humanity in an effort to build nine new homes in partnership with low-income families in Joplin, Mo., and Tuscaloosa, Ala., which were two of the communities devastated by tornadoes in April and May of 2011. Two of the nine homes will be framed during All-Star Week in a section of the parking lot at Kauffman Stadium, and the work will be supported by volunteers from State Farm, which is funding the cost of more than half of the nine homes, and Holiday Inn Hotels. The All-Star Build sites at Kauffman Stadium will be visited by 2012 MLB All-Stars, participants in the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game, Royals legends and more.  In addition to the two homes being framed in Kansas City, five of the nine homes already have been completed, and construction on the final two will conclude in the fall.  Fans may also text ALLSTAR to 25383 to donate $10 to support Habitat’s disaster response work; message and data rates may apply. Holiday Inn Hotels will match fan donations, up to $30,000, and contribute additional funding, if necessary, in order to guarantee a minimum donation of $60,000 to Habitat for Humanity.

Friday, July 6^th

• Challenger-Champions Game (Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO) – Special needs children from Little League’s Challenger and PONY Baseball/Softball Champions divisions will play a one-inning game on the outfield grass at Kauffman Stadium, with the help of volunteers from the Royals.
• Jr. RBI Classic Opening Ceremonies (Satchel Paige Memorial Stadium, Kansas City, MO) – The official start of the fourth annual friendly, round-robin tournament designed to provide hundreds of young Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) baseball and softball players an opportunity to participate in MLB All-Star Week. The tournament consists of eight baseball and four softball teams of 11-12 year olds from around the United States and Canada, including Toronto Blue Jays RBI, who represent the first Canadian team in Jr. RBI Classic history. Opening ceremonies will be held at Satchel Paige Memorial Stadium, which was renovated thanks to MLB All-Star Legacy funding and product donations by The Scotts Company, LLC, the Official Lawn Care Company of Major League Baseball. Renovations included an upgraded irrigation system, infield and outfield maintenance, fencing construction and installation, backstop maintenance, installation of a Satchel Paige marker and other improvements to the general facility surrounding the field.
• Starlight Fun Center Dedication (Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO) – MLB and the Royals, in partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation, will unveil a Fun Center mobile entertainment unit – featuring a Nintendo Wii™, DVD player and a Sharp AQUOS™ LCD TV – for patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital. The ease with which Fun Centers roll up to the side of young patients’ beds or anywhere in a hospital setting makes them perfect for hospitalized children to distract them from pain and anxiety, and alleviate stress, loneliness and isolation.
• Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) Field Renovation (Cleveland Park, Kansas City, MO) – Field renovations at Cleveland Park, which serves nearly 800 players in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City (BGCGKC) RBI league, will be unveiled during the first day of the Jr. RBI Classic. In order to improve the condition of the fields and increase the number of local RBI participants, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) awarded a grant of $50,000 to provide funding for the renovations, which included infield mix, laser grading and drainage surrounding the four fields at the park. The MO-KAN Chapter of the Sports Turf Managers Association, evaluated the field conditions, recommended the proposed renovations and provided volunteer labor to complete the project. Jr. RBI Classic games will be played on the fields at ClevelandPark. BTF is a joint initiative between the Major League Baseball Players Association and Major League Baseball designed to promote the growth of youth baseball and softball throughout the world by awarding grants to support field renovation and construction projects, equipment and uniform purchases, coaches training material and other selected program expenses.
• Additionally, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund will participate in a ceremonial check presentation, in the amount of $150,000, at Kauffman Stadium prior to the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game on Sunday, July 8^th. The ceremony is to celebrate the eighth year of the BTF Equipment Day Program, and additional participants include BTF Board Members and executives from Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association and SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game Managers George Brett and Bernie Williams. Each year, BTF teams with MLB Clubs to collect new and used equipment from fans, players and staff to support organizations in need. In conjunction with the drives, Baseball Tomorrow Fund awards $150,000 for the purchase of new equipment each year, and since 2005, $1 million has been awarded to 250 organizations. Earlier this year, the Royals equipment collection at Kauffman Stadium benefitted Alta Vista Charter School, serving more than 60 players in Kansas City.

Saturday, July 7^th

• MLB All-Star “Rebuilding Together” Project (Kansas City VA Honor Annex, Kansas City, MO) – As an extension of MLB’s commitment to the Welcome Back Veterans initiative (WelcomeBackVeterans.org), renovations were made to the Kansas City VA Honor Annex, which will provide special services for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and female veterans. Renovations, led by the national non-profit Rebuilding Together, include creating family-friendly, baseball-themed play areas in the waiting area for patients’ children, improving aesthetics of the clinic offices and meetings areas, and enhancing the landscape surrounding the facility, which was recently added to the Kansas City VA Medical Center system. Additionally, the interior work to the building will benefit veterans of all eras involved in the PTSD Outpatient Treatment Program and other Annex programs. Bank of America, the Official Bank of Major League Baseball, has supported this project by committing its employees as volunteers and more than $66,000 to the project. The Scotts Company has also supported renovations with landscape materials and product donations. The Kansas City VA Medical Center, which opened in 1952, is a referral medical center providing medical care to approximately 45,000 veterans from five different states each year.
• Bank of America’s MLB All-Star Week support for the military also features interactive action at MLB All-Star FanFest/Kansas City Convention Center, where fans can write words of thanks to troops on baseballs that will be used to create a patriotic mosaic; and at MLB All-Star Sponsor Zone/Kauffman Stadium, where visitors will have a chance to hit a baseball over a military vehicle. For each signed ball and “home run,” Bank of America will donate $1 to USO Fort Riley, up to a maximum of $20,000.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Independence Unit (Independence, MO) – Major League Baseball and the Royals will unveil renovations made to the Club’s interior, which were made with assistance from Magical Builders. Improvements to the newly named “Independence Unit” include new classrooms, restrooms, furniture throughout the club and an improved HVAC system. The project will bring the facility, which was in critical need of improvements due to its previous physical limitations, into alignment with state requirements, making the Independence Unit annually eligible for subsidies to provide school-aged child care and food subsidies from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As a result of the improvements, total membership is expected to grow by 60% by 2015. The Scotts Company contributed with landscaping product and material donations. This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, which serve nearly 8,000 youth members, ages 5 to 18, at five community-based sites and three youth baseball facilities located throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Sunday, July 8^th

• “They Were All Stars” Travel Exhibit Unveil (Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City, MO) – With help from MLB All-Star Legacy Funds, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum has created a new, dynamic traveling exhibit that will display historical photos, video and text of and about former Negro Leagues players who became MLB All-Stars after the integration of baseball in 1947. The Negro LeaguesBaseball Museum will develop a three-to-five year national tour of the exhibit after its premiere during All-Star Week in Kansas City, with plans to make it available in future All-Star Game cities. In addition, a portion of the exhibit will be integrated into the current, permanent “Major League Baseball” section of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Fans will be able to learn about legendary players such as Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Monte Irvin, Don Newcombe and more, while also gaining an understanding of the impact baseball has as a tool for social change. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a privately funded, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of African-Americans in baseball. Visitors can experience a tour of multi-media displays, the museum store, and hundreds of photographs and artifacts dating from the late 1800s through the 1960s. The NLBM opened its permanent 10,000 square foot facility in 1997 in the 18th & Vine museum complex in the heart of Kansas City.
• All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run presented by Nike (Kansas City, MO) – Participants will run and walk on an All-Star-themed course that begins and ends in downtown Kansas City’s Power and Light District, featuring appearances by MLB legends, mascots and celebrity guests. Hall of Famer George Brett will serve as the Official Race Starter and will captain a fundraising team, the “Brett 5 Team.” Additionally, five-time All-Star and MLB Network analyst Mike Sweeney has created the “Sween Team” and three-time All-Star Jeff Montgomery will lead “Monty’s 5K Crew.”  Alison Sweeney, host of The Biggest Loser, will run in the event and will also help begin the event and cheer on participants at the starting line. American Idol winner David Cook, who used to work at the Stadium Club in Kauffman Stadium, will run in the event and will hand out medals and congratulate participants as they cross the finish line. MLB will donate 100% of net proceeds from the event to three charities supporting cancer research and awareness – Prostate Cancer Foundation, Stand Up To Cancer and the Greater Kansas City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run presented by Nike is also supported by Aquafina, Bayer Advanced Aspirin, Gatorade, One A Day, Scotts and the University of Kansas Hospital.

Monday, July 9^th

• Operation Breakthrough Renovation (Kansas City, MO) – Major League Baseball and the Royals will unveil the completed project of creating classroom environments to increase the children’s ability to concentrate and learn, which will help the Operation Breakthrough daycare center improve its after-school and summer enrichment programs for low-income families. Renovations made to the facility’s infrastructure, with assistance from Magical Builders, included replacing ceiling, drywall, glass and windows, installing new walls and doors, painting and electrical work and sprinkler relocation. The mission of Operation Breakthrough is to help children who are living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment.

Tuesday, July 10^th

• Mulkey Square Park Field Renovation (Kansas City, MO) – Renovations to the baseball field in Mulkey Square Park, which is primarily used by the Guadalupe Center Youth Baseball program, include the installation of a new irrigation system, infield and outfield maintenance, new infield skin, fencing construction and installation, backstops, dugouts, new storage shed full of field maintenance equipment and other improvements to the facility surrounding the field. Product donations by the Scotts Company contributed to the completion of this project.

Environment

2012 MLB All-Star Week will build on the continued commitment to the environment by Major League Baseball and its partnership with Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) by incorporating a wide variety of environmentally-sensitive efforts, including:

• Addressing energy and water usage through efficiency measures and by investing in renewable energy offsets and water restoration credits;
• Prioritizing recycling at events throughout MLB All-Star Week, including an All-Star Green Team of volunteers circulating Kauffman Stadium during the All-Star Game to collect recyclables from fans;
• Raising awareness about the importance of “going green” via public service announcements in-stadium and environmental education materials online (MLB.com/green);
• Incorporating eco-friendly materials including low volatile organic compound materials such as paint and sealants, low flow plumbing fixtures, FSC certified wood and locally produced materials into community refurbishment projects;
• Collecting and donating unused food after several All-Star events including the All-Star Game Gala and Pre-Game Celebration.

Major League Baseball will also:

• Host five MLB-Royals All-Star Scholars program scholarship recipients, who were each awarded a four-year, $2,500 per-year scholarship. The inaugural scholarship winners will be recognized at the Jr. RBI Classic Opening Ceremonies.
• Host one of this year’s Breaking Barriers Essay Contest grand prize winners: Raeya Ponugoti, a fifth grader from Indianapolis, Indiana, whose winning essay was chosen from thousands of entries from across the country and Canada.
• Host six kids with life-threatening medical conditions from Make-A-Wish ^® that wished to attend the MLB All-Star Game.
• Partner with TEAM (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) to promote responsible alcohol education through a FanFest attraction and designated driver recognition during the MLB All-Star Game.
• Anheuser-Busch, celebrating their 30^th anniversary of promoting alcohol responsibility, will support this effort through their “Good Sport” program. The program will be highlighted throughout Kauffman Stadium and MLB Sponsor Zone with kiosks reminding fans to drink responsibly. In MLB ballparks in 2011, a record of more than 450,000 baseball fans pledged to be designated drivers.

About the 2012 Major League Baseball All-Star Game

The 83^rd Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday, July 10^th in Kansas City and will feature the best of the American League taking on the top players of the National League. Building up to the excitement of the All-Star Game, Major League Baseball will conduct a wide variety of special events and charitable activities for fans both inside and outside of Kauffman Stadium. At the ballpark, the events will include Taco Bell All-Star Sunday on July 8^th featuring the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game and the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game, and Gatorade All-Star Workout Day on Monday, July 9^th featuring the State Farm Home Run Derby on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio. Outside of the ballpark, fans will have an opportunity to experience All-Star Summer through a variety of special events including Major League Baseball All-Star FanFest, the five-day interactive fan festival; the All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run presented by Nike, a charity run/walk on a baseball-themed route to benefit three cancer organizations; and the MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Chevrolet, a free parade of All-Stars through the streets of Kansas City, which will be broadcast on MLB Network. The Midsummer Classic will be televised nationally on FOX, broadcast on ESPN Radio and will be shown around the world by Major League Baseball International. For more information about 2012 All-Star Summer, visit www.AllStarGame.com.

It has been 12 years since the Royals have had multiple players in the MLB All-Star Game, but this could be the year that streak ends.

The 2012 All-Star Game will be played at beautiful Kauffman Stadium on July 10. For 3 days, the city of Kansas City and the Kansas City Royals organization will take center stage in the baseball world. The hope was that the Royals would have an exciting young team that would be in contention at that point in the season. And while there is still time for that to happen with just under 2 months to go until the game, things have gone mostly poorly for the Royals so far this season. There was the injury to Catcher Salvador Perez, the injury to Closer Joakim Soria, the comical Broxton beanball walk-off loss in Oakland, the disastrous first inning the team played in front of its home crowd, the injury to Center-fielder Lorenzo Cain, the slow start by Alex Gordon, the 12 game losing streak, the Hochevarity of SP Luke Hochevar, the sub-.200 batting average of Eric Hosmer, Jonathan Sanchez becoming the pitcher version of Juan Gonzalez, and most recently the season-ending elbow injury to SP Danny Duffy. Nobody expected this season to go perfectly, but certainly nobody could have expected all of that disaster to hit before May 15. But despite all of that, there have been several bright spots for the Royals so far this season. And while it is extremely unlikely that any Royal gets voted in as an All-Star starter, it is not far-fetched to think that there are as many as FOUR players who could be deserving of selection as a reserve. Let’s take a look at these players, one by one, along with their primary competition to this point at their respective positions.

Designated Hitter

Billy Butler-Kansas City Royals

Avg: .285
R: 13
HR: 6
RBI: 25

David Ortiz-Boston Red Sox

Avg: .348
R: 24
HR: 7
RBI: 25

Edwin Encarnacion-Toronto Blue Jays

Avg: .276
R: 21
HR: 11
RBI: 29

Adam Dunn-Chicago White Sox

Avg: .250
R: 20
HR: 11
RBI: 26

Analysis: While “The Butler” is having a very nice year to this point, unless he goes on a surge and separates himself from this group in some way it is going to be very difficult for him to get selected out of this group. It is pretty clear that based on the numbers at this point, he would be the 4th most deserving candidate of these four players.  Not to mention, the likelihood of two DH’s being selected is not good.

3rd Base

Mike Moustakas-Kansas City Royals

Avg: .308

R: 14

HR: 4

RBI: 15

Miguel Cabrera-Detroit Tigers

Avg: .294

R: 17

HR: 7

RBI: 29

Evan Longoria-Tampa Bay Rays

Avg: .329

R: 15

HR: 4

RBI: 19

Adrian Beltre-Texas Rangers

Avg: .302

R: 19

HR: 6

RBI: 21

Analysis: With the type of defense he’s been playing, and the fact that statistically nobody is separating themselves from the pack here, Moose has a very good chance at being selected as a reserve.  Cabrera will likely get voted in as the starter, and the numbers at this point are close enough that is easy to see defending American League Champions manager Ron Washington going with the hometown guy in Moustakas.  Unfortunately, it is also easy to see him going with his own guy in Beltre.

Shortstop

Alcides Escobar-Kansas City Royals

Avg: .296

R: 12

HR: 1

RBI: 10

SB: 7

Derek Jeter-New York Yankees

Avg: .372
R: 24
HR: 5
RBI: 15

Elvis Andrus-Texas Rangers

Avg: .328
R: 24
HR: 1
RBI: 17

SB: 6

Mike Aviles-Boston Red Sox

Avg: .261
R: 22
HR: 5
RBI: 21

SB: 5

Analysis: Clearly Derek Jeter is deserving of the starting spot he will surely be voted into.  And while Aviles is having a very solid year to this point, his relative anonymity and the fact that he is extremely unlikely to continue to put up numbers like this make him the odd man out of this group.  So once again, that would leave Ron Washington deciding between one of his own players and one of the host city’s players.  Though he lacks the power numbers, the defensive reputation combined with the average, steals, and home-field advantage give Escobar a very good chance of being selected.

Outfield

Alex Gordon-Kansas City Royals

Avg: .256
R: 22
HR: 4
RBI: 16

Adam Jones-Baltimore Orioles

Avg: .291
R: 27
HR: 10
RBI: 21

SB: 5

Josh Hamilton-Texas Rangers

Avg: .402
R: 30
HR: 18
RBI: 44

Curtis Granderson-New York Yankees

Avg: .258
R: 23
HR: 11
RBI: 20

While Gordon’s numbers don’t stack up at this point, this selection was taking into consideration the fact that he got off to such a slow start to begin the season and has hit put up very good numbers to get up to the respectable level he’s at now.  If he continues at the pace he’s been on since he broke out of his funk, he will be right in the mix come decision time.  And given the fact that he deserved to make it last year and didn’t (with Washington also being the manager who snubbed him), he should have a very good chance of being selected.

It’s been a long time since Jermaine Dye started the 2000 All-Star game and Mike Sweeney made the team as a reserve.  But 2012 may just be #OurTime to have multiple All-Stars once again.

HALL OF FAMER AND 13-TIME ALL-STAR GEORGE BRETT TO SERVE AS AMBASSADOR FOR 2012 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ALL-STAR SUMMER
Brett to Participate in All-Star FanFest, Taco Bell All-Star Sunday Events and
MLB All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run Presented by Nike

Hall of Famer and 13-time All-Star George Brett will serve as the Ambassador for MLB All-Star Summer. Brett will participate in All-Star events leading up to and during All-Star Week in Kansas City, including MLB All-Star FanFest (July 6-10). Brett has been selected as the manager for the U.S. Team in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game (July 8), which features some of the game’s best young prospects from the U.S. and around the world. Brett previously served as the manager for the U.S. Team in 2005.  Also on Sunday, July 8, he will play in the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game and will be the Official Race Starter for the MLB All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run presented by Nike.

“I’m excited to share the city and stadium I love with today’s All-Stars and baseball fans around the world,” said Brett. “It’s an honor to once again be a part of the Midsummer Classic and baseball’s special celebration.”

ALL-STAR CAREER WITH THE ROYALS

Brett spent his entire 21-year career with the Royals from 1973 to 1993, throughout which he accumulated 3,154 hits, 665 doubles, 317 home runs and 1,596 RBI. Brett stands alongside baseball legends Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Stan Musial, as one of the four players in Major League Baseball history to collect at least 3,000 hits, 300 home runs and a .300 batting average over his career. He is the only player in MLB history to win the batting title in three different decades (1976, 1980 and 1990). Brett, who was voted the 1980 American League Most Valuable Player, represented Kansas City in the All-Star Game in consecutive years from 1976 through 1988. He was also awarded the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award during the Royals World Championship season in 1985.

Even after retirement, Brett has continued his long-time association with the organization and is an active resident of Kansas City. The Royals retired Brett’s No. 5 in 1994 and inducted him into the club’s Hall of Fame. Five years later, he was inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame after receiving 98 percent of the votes, the fifth‑highest mark in history. Brett is currently in his 19^th year as the organization’s Vice President of Baseball Operations and serves as a special instructor during Spring Training. He is also an active Minor League instructor helping prospects develop.

MLB ALL-STAR FANFEST

MLB All-Star FanFest will transform the Kansas City Convention Center/Bartle Hall into the largest interactive baseball theme park in the world. MLB All-Star FanFest opens on Friday, July 6, runs through Tuesday, July 10, and provides an unrivaled experience for fans of all ages. Visitors will experience more than 400,000 square feet of baseball fun, with attractions including exhibits from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, batting cages, clinics, free autograph sessions with former Royals, MLB legends and Hall of Famers, memorabilia and much more.

TACO BELL ALL-STAR SUNDAY

Taco Bell All-Star Sunday includes the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, 4 p.m. CT, and the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game, approximately 7:30 p.m. CT, followed by a spectacular fireworks show to cap off the evening. Now in its 14^th year, the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game showcases many of the top Minor League prospects and has featured Kansas City’s Billy Butler (2006), Alex Gordon (2006), Eric Hosmer (2010) and Mike Moustakas (2010). Players who have competed in both the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game and the MLB All-Star Game include Prince Fielder, Zack Greinke, Josh Hamilton, Felix Hernandez, Troy Tulowitzki and Justin Verlander.

The Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game will feature stars from film, music, television and entertainment teaming up with Hall of Famers and former Kansas City stars immediately following the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game. Past celebrity participants have included Jon Hamm, Jimmy Kimmel, George Lopez, Chris Rock, Jordin Sparks and Kate Upton. The game has also featured a collection of Hall of Famers including Ernie Banks, Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage, Rickey Henderson, Paul Molitor, Ozzie Smith and Dave Winfield.

MLB ALL-STAR GAME CHARITY 5K & FUN RUN PRESENTED BY NIKE

Hall of Famer George Brett will serve as the Official Race Starter at the 2012 MLB All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run presented by Nike. The charitable event, open to all ages, will take place on Sunday, July 8, on an All-Star-themed course in downtown Kansas City and will feature appearances by MLB Legends, mascots and celebrity guests. Major League Baseball will donate 100% of all net proceeds from the event to three charities supporting cancer research and awareness – Prostate Cancer Foundation, Stand Up To Cancer and the Greater Kansas City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The 5K, an officially timed event, will begin at 7:30 a.m. CT. Immediately following, at 8:00 a.m. CT, the family-friendly 1-mile Fun Run will begin; the wheel chair division will begin 5 minutes prior to each. All registered finishers will receive an official commemorative All-Star medal and t-shirt. All fans who sign up now via AllStarGame.com/5k can take advantage of the special early bird price of $25 (adult) and $20 (children 12 and under) for the 5K and $20 (adult) and $15 (children 12 and under) for the Fun Run. For more information, and to register as an individual or team, please visit AllStarGame.com/5k.

Tickets for MLB All-Star FanFest and to Taco Bell All-Star Sunday are currently on sale. To purchase, visit the official All-Star Game website of Major League Baseball (AllStarGame.com), the Royals official website (royals.com/2012), the Royals Box Office at Kauffman Stadium or call 1-888-FanFest (326-3378).

     For more MLB All-Star Week information, please visit AllStarGame.com and the All-Star Game Twitter account (@AllStarGame).

ROYALS, KCP&L ANNOUNCE SOLAR ENERGY PARTNERSHIP
Solar Panels Installed Along Canopy of Kauffman Stadium’s Outfield Experience

KANSAS CITY, MO (January 31, 2012) – The Kansas City Royals and KCP&L announced today a new solar energy partnership at Kauffman Stadium that will result in the largest in-stadium solar array in Major League Baseball.

KCP&L installed a 28.8 kilowatt solar array that will produce approximately 36,000 kWh of renewable energy each year.  This marks the first step in a long-term commitment between the Royals and KCP&L to maximize renewable energy resources at the ballpark.

“The Royals are committed to making Kauffman Stadium one of the most environmentally-friendly facilities in sports,” said Kevin Uhlich, Royals Senior Vice President-Business Operations.  “We are excited to partner with KCP&L to bring the latest technologies in sustainable energy to the ballpark, especially as we prepare for the 2012 All-Star Summer.”

The partnership also ties into the renewable energy initiatives of Major League Baseball, which will be highlighted during the 2012 MLB All-Star Game and related festivities in Kansas City this summer.

The solar array is comprised of 120, 240-watt solar panels on the roof of Kauffman Stadium’s Outfield Experience canopy.  The panels face south and are mounted in two groups of 60 panels each – one on each side of CrownVision.

“KCP&L is proud to partner with the Kansas City Royals on their first renewable energy endeavor,” said Chuck Caisley, KCP&L vice president of Marketing and Public Affairs. “KCP&L has a long standing history of supporting renewable energy projects because it brings a significant benefit to our customers.”

In addition to the solar energy at Kauffman Stadium, KCP&L will have approximately 600 MW of renewable resource capacity by 2014. This includes wind generation, hydropower and landfill-gas-to-energy projects.

By Opening Day, KCP&L will also install an educational kiosk in the Outfield Experience to educate Royals fans about the solar energy system. Fans can learn how to monitor the production of solar energy and how solar energy benefits Kauffman Stadium and the greater Kansas City region.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS INTRODUCE BRUCE CHEN JOKE OF THE DAY PROMOTION
Club Invites Fans to Submit Jokes for CrownVision Feature

KANSAS CITY, MO (January 12, 2012) – The Kansas City Royals, in conjunction with pitcher and funnyman Bruce Chen, have announced details of a new “Joke of the Day” promotion for the 2012 season. Fans are encouraged to submit their favorite funny line for an opportunity to have it delivered by Chen on the CrownVision video board during a 2012 Royals home game. To be considered, fans may submit their joke in 300 characters or less at www.royals.com/jokes by Friday, February 10.

Royals fans can guarantee Opening Day tickets with any Full Season, Half Season or 21-Game Season Ticket plan in addition to the opportunity to purchase 2012 MLB All-Star Game ticket strips. Royals season ticket holders also receive reserved parking, the priority to purchase additional tickets for all 2012 home games, access to special events and more!

Major League Baseball All Star Game Charity 5k & Fun Run Presented By Nike Benefiting Cancer Charities Returns To 2012 All Star Summer
100% of Net Proceeds of the Race Will be Donated to Prostate Cancer Foundation,
Stand Up To Cancer and Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Online Registration at AllStarGame.com/5k

Major League Baseball today announced the third All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run presented by Nike, which will take place on Sunday, July 8, 2012. MLB will donate all net proceeds from the event to three charities supporting cancer research and education – Prostate Cancer Foundation, Stand Up To Cancer and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Previous MLB All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Runs have been held in St. Louis (2009) and Anaheim (2010). This unique event unites three national cancer organizations that are committed to leading the fight against cancer.

Participants will run and walk on an All-Star themed course, which is in development, featuring appearances by MLB legends, mascots and celebrity guests.

The 5K, an officially timed event, will begin at 7:30 a.m. CT. Immediately following, at 8:00 a.m. CT, the family-friendly 1-mile Fun Run will begin. All registered finishers will receive a commemorative All-Star medal and t-shirt. Sign up now and receive a special early bird price of $25 (adult) and $20 (children 12 and under) for the 5K and $20 (adult) and $15 (children 12 and under) for the Fun Run. Space is limited so participants are encouraged to sign up early. Registration and event information is available at AllStarGame.com/5k.

“The All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run provides fans with a unique way to be part of the All-Star festivities while raising awareness and funds for an important cause that effects every person,” said Tim Brosnan, Major League Baseball, Executive Vice President, Business. “Because of the event’s popularity and success in the past, MLB is excited to bring it back in 2012 for the great baseball fans in Kansas City.”

“We continue to work with Major League Baseball on the activities that will make up All-Star Week 2012 and we are excited to announce the first of many events, the All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run,” said Kevin Uhlich, Senior Vice President, Business, Kansas City Royals. “The 5K and Fun Run will be great for downtown Kansas City, a fun experience for the participants and a terrific help to the recipients of the money raised.”

For the first time, participants will have the opportunity to register and create their own “All-Star” profile page online, which highlights their favorite League, MLB Team, personal photo, and allows them to share their story. Participants will have the opportunity to earn All-Star themed online badges, as they recruit friends to join their All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run presented by Nike roster and raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Stand Up To Cancer, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Two All-Star MVP badges will be awarded on July 8 to the top recruiter and fundraiser.

“Stand Up To Cancer is proud to once again partner with Major League Baseball for the 2012 All- Star Game Charity 5K and Fun Run,” said Rusty Robertson, Co-Founder, Stand Up To Cancer. “When the first 5K and Fun Run event was launched in St. Louis three years ago, we gained tremendous support from fans and saw that cancer truly does touch everyone. With the extraordinary, ongoing support of Major League Baseball we are able to continue our mission of accelerated cancer research to save lives now.”

“The Prostate Cancer Foundation looks forward to the MLB All-Star program each year, and the 5K event has become an important tradition,” said Dave Perron, vice president of baseball and sports enterprise at the Prostate Cancer Foundation. “We are extremely grateful to MLB for its dedication to raising crucial funds and awareness for cancer research, and we look forward to another successful partnership built around the All-Star Game and its varied activities.”

”The entire Susan G. Komen family is so grateful for Major League Baseball’s support and partnership over the past 8 years,” said Katrina McGhee, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Breast cancer is not only difficult for the patient – a diagnosis affects the entire family. The awareness and funds raised by Major League Baseball enables Susan G. Komen to help families around the world in our promise to end breast cancer forever.”

For more MLB All-Star Week information, please visit AllStarGame.com.

ROYALS ANNOUNCE LIMITED EDITION ALL-STAR BRICK PROGRAM

Fans Can Purchase Personalized All-Star Bricks to be Displayed at Kauffman Stadium;
Order by November 13 for Holiday Delivery

KANSAS CITY, MO (November 4, 2011) –The Kansas City Royals are offering an exciting opportunity for fans in conjunction with the MLB All-Star Game and related festivities coming to Kansas City and Kauffman Stadium next summer. Through the 2012 All-Star Brick program, fans will be able to leave a lasting legacy at Kauffman Stadium by purchasing a personalized bluestone brick that includes a commemorative 2012 All-Star Game logo (image attached).

Fans wishing to purchase a personalized brick for the holidays should place their order by November 13. All orders received by June 15, 2012, will be installed in the grand walkway at Kauffman Stadium prior to the 2012 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 10.

The Royals are offering a number of brick packages, including the option to purchase additional replica bricks and limited edition All-Star display cases. In addition, fans will receive an official certificate of acknowledgement bearing their inscriptions, and a brick locator map will be provided after installation.

A replica brick, which is available as part of the All-Star Limited Edition packages or may be added to a Brick-Only option, will be made of the same bluestone material as the original brick at Kauffman Stadium and feature the identical engraved message and All-Star logo.

The All-Star Limited Edition packages also includes an exclusive All-Star display case, which is available in two sizes and features the official 2012 MLB All-Star logo. Fans who are purchasing a Brick-Only option or have previously purchased personalized bricks at Kauffman Stadium are invited to purchase the commemorative display case as a wonderful keepsake of the upcoming All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium.

A portion of the proceeds from the All-Star Brick program support Royals Charities. Pricing details are listed below or can be found atwww.royals.com/bricks.

Fans may place their personalized brick orders online at www.royals.com/bricks

Below are a few press releases from the Kansas City Royals sent to i70baseball this week. – Bill

Auditions For 2012 K-Crew Set For October 22

Members of the 2012 Team to Participate in MLB All-Star Week Festivities;
Audition Details Available at royals.com/kcrew

KANSAS CITY, MO (October 5, 2011) – The Kansas City Royals will hold auditions for the 2012 KCrew on Saturday, October 22 at Kauffman Stadium. First formed in 2007, the KCrew is the Royals fan interactive team dedicated to entertaining Royals fans both at the ballpark and at community events around Kansas City.

Members of the 2012 squad will also have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the 2012 MLB All-Star Week festivities including the All-Star FanFest, Taco Bell All-Star Sunday featuring the XM All-Star Futures Game and the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game, Gatorade All-Star Workout Day featuring the State Farm Home Run Derby, and the 83rd MLB All-Star Game.

To audition for the 2012 KCrew team, individuals must be at least 18 years of age by April 13, 2012. Applicants are also required to live in or close to the Kansas City metropolitan area and must be able to attend all rehearsals, designated games, community events and other mandatory appearances. Baseball knowledge as well as prior performance, entertainment, public relations and/or broadcasting experience is preferred. For a complete list of audition requirements, please visit www.royals.com/kcrew.

Individuals interested in auditioning for the KCrew must pre-register by Monday, October 17. In addition to a completed application and signed release form, both available at www.royals.com/kcrew, applicants are also required to provide both a full-length and head shot color photo and pay a $10 non-refundable application processing fee. Required materials may be submitted by one of the following two options: 1) Mail to: KCrew Auditions, One Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129; or 2) Drop-off at Kauffman Stadium Gate C.

For more information on the 2012 KCrew auditions, please call (816) 504-4433 or email kcrew@royals.com. Members of the media may contact the Royals Publicity Department at (816) 921-8000.

Royals Announce Medical Staff For 2012 Season
Ryan Stoneberg Named Strength and Conditioning Coordinator

KANSAS CITY, MO (October 4, 2011) – The Kansas City Royals have finalized their Major League medical staff for the 2012 season.

Head athletic trainer Nick Kenney, assistant athletic trainer Kyle Turner and physical therapist Jeff Blum will remain in their roles for next season. Ryan Stoneberg, who has served the past five seasons as the Royals minor league strength and conditioning coordinator, will now work in the same role with the Major League club. Stoneberg replaces Ty Hill, who will not return to the organization in 2012.

“Ryan Stoneberg has tremendous passion, energy and expertise as a strength and conditioning coach,” Royals General Manager Dayton Moore said. “We are excited that he will be joining our staff.”

Continuing the partnership agreement with The University of Kansas Hospital as the official medical provider of the team, head team physician Dr. Vincent Key; and associate physicians Dr. Joshua Nelson, Dr. Bruce Toby and Dr. Joe Noland will continue to provide services in 2012.

“Nick Kenney and our entire medical team have done an outstanding job,” Moore said. “We are proud of their great work as we continue to partner with the very talented Physicians at The University of Kansas Hospital.”

One of the unique features of the MLB All-Star Game is that at least one player is selected to represent each team in the league, no matter how undeserving that player might be to be considered a “star.”

Last week I wrote an article about how little consideration Royals players have received by the voters for the Baseball Hall of Fame. While four players who have worn Royals uniforms are actually in the Hall – Harmon Killebrew (1984), Gaylord Perry (1991), George Brett and Orlando Cepeda (1999) – no other Royal has even received a significant enough number of votes to be considered a potential inductee.

I wonder if, similar to the All-Star Game, the Royals were given the chance to name their next most deserving candidate for enshrinement, who would that person be?

We all know Buck O’Neil should be in the Hall of Fame. It’s a shame he’s not, and there are probably other KC Monarchs who deserve the honor as well. But that has been hashed and rehashed in other venues. I will try to stick with the current Royals franchise for the sake of this argument.

As I stated last week, Vada Pinson actually recorded the most votes of any former Royal not in the Hall. In his final two seasons, Pinson played well enough for the Royals in 1974, but struggled before hanging it up in 1975. His best seasons were in a Cincinnati Reds uniform, so he does not gain consideration here.

Vida Blue and Juan Gonzalez also recorded enough votes to remain on the ballot past their first year of eligibility, but they get disregarded for the same reason as Pinson. Blue is regarded fondly for his value to the Royals pitching in the early 1980s, but Gonzales won no support for the dismal 33 games he played in KC, which cost the team $4 million.

No, it must be someone who actually is remembered as a Royal, first and foremost. If the team were to choose their own representative to the Hall, he must be one of them. John Mayberry, Lou Piniella and David Cone need not apply. Things to consider are not only a player’s statistics, but how they performed on the big stage and what they mean to the Royals franchise.

None of the players considered in this article actually garnered any support from the Hall of Fame voters. Disregard vote totals and just ponder what each man did as a Royal, counting on an All-Star Game-like ticket to admission. There are plenty to choose from, but for the sake of time and space, I will narrow the candidates to just 7, listed here in alphabetical order:

Hal McRae – One could argue that since he always played second fiddle to the only true Royal in the Hall of Fame, George Brett, then he should stand second in line. Starting in 1974, McRae had 13 really good seasons, primarily as a DH. He finished with a .300 average in six of those seasons, with a low mark of .272. He nearly won a batting title in 1976, and finished his career with more than 2000 hits and 1000 RBI.

McRae gets a boost in support for serving as the Royals manager from 1991 to 1994 when the team was still attempting to field competitive teams. He loses credit, however, for not playing in the field and for only driving in 100 runs once, which is strange considering he was hitting behind Willie Wilson and George Brett for many of those seasons.

Amos Otis – AO probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves for his 14 excellent seasons in KC. Otis was a great fielder (two Gold Gloves) and base-stealing threat (five seasons with more than 30 steals). He hit leadoff for many of the great Royals teams and had solid average and on-base percentage. He also provided some power, hitting 193 homers. He actually finished 3^rd in the MVP voting of 1973, when he led the young Royals with a .300 average and 26 homers. Otis finished with nearly 2000 hits in KC, and played in the third most games in team history.

Dan Quisenberry – This one is intriguing. Bruce Sutter, who is actually IN the Hall of Fame dominated the National League at generally the same time period Quisenberry was mastering the American League. Over his best six-year span, from 1979-1984, Sutter saved 192, led the league in saves five times and played in one World Series. From 1980 to 1985, Quisenberry notched the same 192 saves, leading his own league five times, played in two World Series, and in most of those comparable seasons had a lower ERA than Sutter. Quisenberry’s career was a bit shorter than Sutter’s, and he ranks just 31^st on the all-time saves list. Quisenberry’s numbers over that period compare quite favorably to those of Rollie Fingers and comparably to those of Goose Gossage, both Hall of Famers from the same era.

“The Quiz” was a true ambassador for the team, and his untimely death makes him a sentimental favorite with Royals fans. He finished in the top five in Cy Young voting five times during that six year stretch, and finished 3^rd in MVP voting in 1984. In the 1985 World Series he pitched in four games, won one, and allowed only one run. Quisenberry did not reach the big leagues until he was 26, and by 33 he was beginning to lose his golden touch, thus accounting for his lesser career totals.

Bret Saberhagen – Two Cy Young Awards and a 2-0 record in a World Series earn you a spot on this list, regardless what the rest of your career was like. When he won the Cy Young and Series MVP at just 21, he stood on top the baseball world. At 25 he had already recorded 92 wins and was on his way to being not just the greatest Royals pitcher of all time, but a true Hall of Famer. Injuries reduced his effectiveness, however, and he spent as many seasons playing outside of KC as in it.

Mike Sweeney – Similar to Quisenberry and Saberhagen, if you take a small segment of Sweeney’s career, he compares favorably with the best sluggers of his era. From 1999 to 2005, he hit for average and power, drove in a remarkable 144 runs in 2000, and would have had notched even better numbers had he not been plagued by injuries. Full seasons would have probably netted 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBIs in 2002-2006. Even so, Sweeney ranks 2^nd all time in homers by a Royal and 2^nd highest in batting average in team history. Injuries proved his undoing.

Most important of all, Sweeney doggedly stuck by the Royals during the 2000s when seemingly every other good player fled for greener pastures. He was a “captain” in every sense of the word and deserves the respect of KC fans for his loyalty.

Frank White – Probably the second “face of the franchise” behind Brett, White is a true Royal, having been signed in the summer of the team’s second season, a product of the Royals Baseball Academy, and a survivor of the team’s peaks and valleys. He deserves high marks for standing by the franchise through its doldrums, managing minor leaguers, working in the front office and on TV broadcasts. He probably deserved a shot at managing the big-league club.

White’s greatest on-field accomplishment was his eight Gold Gloves, earned as one of the greatest defenders in history at second base. He developed into a good, but not great hitter. White was named MVP of the 1980 ALCS and batted cleanup in the 1985 World Series. He ranks second on the team in all-time hits and games played.

Willie Wilson – Wilson was a demon on the base paths, leading the league in triples 5 times and keeping company with Rickey Henderson and Tim Raines in stolen bases in the early 1980s when baseball ran wild. Wilson still ranks 12^th all-time in steals with 668

Wilson won a batting title in 1982 and hit over .300 five times in a six-year stretch. He also won two Gold Gloves and a stolen base title.

Wilson will lose credit due to a drug scandal that tarnished the Royals golden era. He also struck out too much and walked to infrequently for a leadoff hitter.

Tough choice. Each player has a special place in Royals lore, and each has some knock against him. Injuries hurt the case for several of them. White was a pretty one-dimensional player, as was McRae. Intangibles and off-field service to the franchise affect the choice as well.

But with all things considered, I surprise even myself with my selection. Part of what should be considered for the Hall of Fame, beyond sheer numbers, is how the player stacks up against great players of the same era. As I noted before, Quisenberry compares very favorably to three players who are currently in the Hall who played his same position at the same time. Sutter, Fingers and Gossage, all in Cooperstown, saved generally the same number of games (if not fewer). The Baseball Page .com places The Quiz behind only five Hall of Famers and Mariano Rivera on its ranking of all-time relievers.

Quisenberry got shockingly little love from Hall of Fame voters – just 3.8% in his only year on the ballot. There seems to be a process by which many players wait their turn, paying their dues before finally garnering the requisite 75% for admission. Because he didn’t get the minimum 5% in his first year to stay on the ballot, Quisenberry didn’t have time to build support.

Sutter started on the ballot in 1994 at just 23.9%. In 1996, Quiz’s one time on the ballot, Sutter got just 29.1%. His percentages stayed in the 20s and 30s for several years.

Gossage got 33.3% in 2000, his first time eligible. Then in 2001 both relievers started getting more support. Their numbers slowly edged upwards of 50% until finally in 2006 Sutter got in. Gossage was close behind, entering the Hall in 2008.

Compared to the slow climb of Sutter and Gossage, one has to wonder how high Quisenberry’s could have risen had his name been on the ballot over the same length of time.

White, Wilson, Otis and McRae made tremendous contributions to the great Royals teams of the 1970s and 1980s, Saberhagen and Sweeney were among the best in the game for a short spell. But Quisenberry actually stacks up well in comparison to actual Hall of Famers. He will not ever be voted into the Hall, but if we could get an All-Star Game-type representative in Cooperstown, I recommend it be the Quiz.