Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon has been named spokesperson for 2012 MLB All-Star FanFest, which will be held at the Kansas City Convention Center/Bartle Hall from Friday, July 6^th through Tuesday, July 10^th. Gordon joins a notable list of MLB players who have served in this role including Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols. As the spokesperson, Gordon will generate awareness for and make a variety of appearances on behalf of the event.

“MLB All-Star FanFest captures the thrills and excitement of Major League Baseball and brings it to life for the fans,” said Gordon. “I’m honored and excited to be a part of this amazing event.”

Gordon, the second pick of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, set career-highs in every offensive category in 2011, batting .303 with 185 hits, 45 doubles, four triples, 23 home runs, 87 RBI, 101 runs scored and 17 stolen bases in 151 games.  In his first full season as an outfielder, the 28-year-old captured an A.L. Rawlings Gold Glove, becoming the 10^th different Royals player (19^th time overall) to win the award. The Lincoln, Nebraska native led the Major Leagues with a franchise-record 20 outfield assists, becoming just the 24^th player in the Major Leagues since 1969 to have at least 20 in a single season. The University of Nebraska product was one of five Major Leaguers in 2011 and one of four Royals in history to hit .300 with at least 45 doubles and 20 home runs, joining Hal McRae (1982), Mike Sweeney (2001) and Billy Butler (2009).  Gordon, who was a candidate in the 2011 All-Star Game MLB.com Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint, made his Major League debut in 2007 and led the team with a franchise rookie-record of 36 doubles.

MLB All-Star FanFest will transform the Kansas City Convention Center/Bartle Hall into the largest interactive baseball theme park in the world, providing 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.

Sample attractions include:

• ·         The Diamond – Located at the center of MLB All-Star FanFest, this attraction features daily clinics and appearances by MLB players, managers and other experts. Past appearances have included Tony Gwynn, Torii Hunter, Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken, Jr., David Wright and many other MLB greats
• ·         Legends Autograph Program – Free autographs from Hall of Famers and MLB legends. Players such as Andre Dawson, Rollie Fingers, Ferguson Jenkins and Juan Marichal have previously signed for fans at MLB All-Star FanFest
• ·         National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum – Take a stroll through Baseball’s glorious past and experience the history of the national pastime with one of the largest collections of artifacts on loan from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown
• ·         The Negro Leagues – A compelling visual journey back in time, the Negro Leagues attraction brings to life the heroic history of some of the game’s proudest and most talented players
• ·         Hometown Heroes – Hometown Heroes showcases Kansas City Royals history, roots in the community and promise for the future
• ·         World’s Largest Baseball – What better way to welcome families to the largest baseball fan event in the world than with the World’s Largest Baseball? The signature white leather, red-laced ball measures 12 feet in diameter and features the signatures of baseball greats such as Hank Aaron, Rod Carew, Derek Jeter, Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith and Ted Williams

All MLB All-Star FanFest attractions are included with the price of admission. The only additional event costs are for concessions, memorabilia and merchandise. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under (children two and under are admitted free), senior citizens and military personnel. Tickets for MLB All-Star FanFest are sold on a timed-entry basis, providing fans the ability to reserve the day and time of their choice. Once inside the venue, fans can stay at MLB All-Star FanFest as long as they wish until the event’s closing time. MLB is also offering several discount options:

• ·         MLB All-Star FanFest Family Pack – $5 off each ticket purchased in packages of four to seven
• ·         FanFest Eat and Play Combo – Four tickets, four Pepsis, four hot dogs all for $110
• ·         Buy One, Get One Free Friday – Buy one full-price ticket on Friday, July 6^th, and get the second ticket for the same date for free
• ·         Two for Tuesday – Buy two full-price tickets for Tuesday, July 10^th, and get two additional tickets for the same date for free

To purchase, visit the official All-Star Game website of Major League Baseball (AllStarGame.com), the official Royals 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, facebook.com/MLBAllStarGame and the All-Star Game Twitter account (@AllStarGame).

ROYALS SIGN OUTFIELDER Alex Gordon TO A MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT
Four-Year Guaranteed Contract Also Includes Player Option for 2016

SURPRISE, AZ (March 30, 2012) — The Kansas City Royals today announced the club has reached an agreement on a multi-year contract with outfielder Alex Gordon.  The contract includes four guaranteed years through the 2015 season, then a player option for the 2016 campaign.  Consistent with club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The 28-year-old Gordon won both the Les Milgram Royals Player of the Year as well as his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2011.  He batted .303 (185-for-611) with 45 doubles, four triples, 23 home runs, 87 RBI and 101 runs scored in 151 games for Kansas City.  Gordon was one of five players in the Major Leagues to post a greater than .300 average, 45 or more doubles and 20 or more home runs, joining the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera, the Red Sox’ Jacoby Ellsbury and Adrian Gonzalez, and the Yankees’ Robinson Cano.  In his first full season as a full-time outfielder, he led the Majors with 20 outfield assists, also setting a single-season franchise record.

The Royals’ first-round selection (second overall) in 2005 out of the University of Nebraska, Gordon and his wife, Jamie, reside in Lincoln, Neb., with their one-year-old son, Max.

ROYALS ANNOUNCE 2012 PROMOTIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Retro Batting Practice Jersey, Frenchy Quarter Thursday & 2nd Annual Celebrity Classic Game Highlight Promotions Lineup

KANSAS CITY, MO (January 19, 2012) – It’s “Our Time” this season at the ballpark as the Royals unveil an exciting 2012 promotions and special events lineup.  The schedule features great giveaways, the return of fan favorites and the introduction of special offers, which allow fans to experience all the ballpark’s offerings at exceptional values.

Highlights from the 2012 lineup of events, as well as details on some of the club’s new ticket offerings, are listed below.  In addition, the complete special events schedule is attached and can also be found at www.royals.com/promotions.  Please note all dates and times are subject to change.

EXCITING PROMOTIONS

Jackie Robinson Jersey Tee: Every year on April 15, Major League Baseball celebrates the legacy of Jackie Robinson’s first Major League game. On Sunday, April 15, the first 10,000 fans will receive a Jackie Robinson Jersey T-Shirt sporting the number 42 on the back.

Royals Retro Batting Practice Jersey:  Fans can gear up for the 2012 season in style by bringing back the retro 1980s look. On Saturday, April 21, the first 20,000 fans will receive a Royals Retro Batting Practice Jersey, presented by FOX Sports Kansas City.

Alex Gordon Rawlings Gold Glove Award Replica: For the 2012 season, fans will be able to celebrate Alex Gordon’s first Rawlings Gold Glove win.  On Thursday, May 3 when the Royals take on the Yankees, the first 10,000 fans will receive an Alex Gordon Rawlings Gold Glove Replica Award presented by Hy-Vee.

Frenchy Quarter Thursdays:  In 2012, the Royals announce a new fan section, The Frenchy Quarter.  Every Thursday for the 2012 season, fans will be able to purchase a $21 ticket that includes a Frenchy Quarter T-Shirt, a drink coupon and a seat in Jeff Francoeur’s cheering section in the right Outfield Box. This is a $35 value!

Salute to the Negro Leagues Day:  Come celebrate with the Royals as we pay tribute to the Negro Leagues on Saturday, July 21 when the Royals take on the Twins.  On the field, both teams will don Negro League uniforms from the Kansas City Monarchs and St. Paul Colored Gophers, presented by Sprint.  Also, the first 20,000 fans will receive a Buck O’Neil bobblehead presented by Hy-Vee.

Celebrity Classic Game: Be a part of the celebrity experience again in 2012 when our hometown celebrities, Paul Rudd, Rob Riggle and Jason Sudeikis will host the 2nd Annual Big Slick Celebrity Classic Game on Friday, June 22 prior to the start of the I-70 series against the Cardinals.  Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with your favorite celebrity.

RETURNING FAVORITES

Buck Nights: Buck Nights are back and better than ever!  For six select Friday dates throughout the season, fans can purchase hot dogs, small Pepsi products and peanuts for just $1 each.   The fan-favorite is scheduled for April 20, May 18, July 13, August 17, September 14 and September 21.

Hy-Vee/Pepsi Fireworks Fridays: Stay in your seats for a spectacular fireworks show following all Friday night home games presented by Hy-Vee and Pepsi.

T-Shirt Tuesdays:  T-Shirt Tuesdays return in 2012!  This season’s series will include five unique designs on May 8, June 12, June 26, July 31 and August 14.

Family FunDay Sundays: Join in on all of the fun on Sundays in 2012.  Every Sunday home game will feature special family entertainment and activities in the Outfield Experience. Also, kids can run the bases after the game during the Sprint Fun Run.  For details, visit royals.com/Sundays.

KidsFest: On Sunday, August 5, the Royals celebrate young baseball fans with a special event dedicated to kids!  With pregame activities, entertainment and a lot of fun in the Outfield Experience, kids will rule the day.   The first 5,000 kids 14 and under will also receive a Royals Sport Necklace, looks like the one the players wear!

Girls Night Out: Back by popular demand, ladies will receive the Royal treatment again in 2012.  The event benefits the American Heart Association and is slated for Friday, June 1.  In addition to all of the great activities and food, the first 10,000 females through the gates will receive a ladies Sun Hat.

Student Nights: Rivals Outfield Box or Hy-Vee Infield tickets are available for all Wednesday home games for high school and college students with valid ID at the Stadium Box Office for just $7.  Seating is subject to availability.  Making its return in 2012 is Local Music Showcase. Every Student Night will feature live local music pregame in the Outfield Experience.

610 Saturdays: The Royals will once again team up with Entercom Radio to bring live music and great activities to Saturday pregame festivities.  Events will take place in the Outfield Experience.

Sprint Fun Run: All fans can run the bases after every Sunday home game (conditions permitting).

Sonic Slam Seats: Back in 2012, if a Royals player hits a home run that lands in the Sonic Slam Seats located in left-center field, ALL fans win a free medium Sonic Slush by redeeming their ticket stub at participating Sonic locations by midnight the following day!  Fans sitting in the Sonic Slam Seats will also win a $5 My Sonic Card.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO SAVE

Royals eSavers: Subscribers to the Royals Report – the club’s free email newsletter – will receive exclusive ticket offers throughout the season.  In addition, subscribers will receive the latest information regarding breaking news, promotions and more.  Fans can register for the newsletter at royals.com/register.

Sluggerrr’s Blue Crew Kids Club Presented by U.S. Toy: Membership includes a Royals white batting practice jersey, Royals jersey style backpack with MP3 player pocket, special edition reusable water bottle, VIP access to the Sprint Fun Run, two Royals game ticket vouchers, three complimentary vouchers to any of the Outfield Experience games, one free child’s admission to a stadium tour, exclusive Blue Crew events at the stadium and special offers from Royals partners all for just $20.  Available for youth 14 and under. For details, visit royals.com/bluecrew.

SEASON TICKET PACKAGES AND SINGLE-GAME TICKETS

Fans can take advantage of all the great promotions and special events planned for 2012 by becoming a Royals Season Ticket Holder. Starting at just $75 per seat, Royals Season Ticket plans are available to fit every budget. Fans can guarantee Opening Day tickets with any Full Season, Half Season or 21-game season ticket plan and enjoy all the benefits of becoming a Season Ticket Holder including reserved parking, first priority to purchase additional tickets for all 2012 home games and an easy, accessible way to manage your season ticket account online. Purchase a Full Season or Half Season plan and be among the first to have the opportunity to secure tickets for the MLB 2012 All-Star events to be played at Kauffman Stadium. All season ticket packages are available online at royals.com or by calling (816) 504-4040, option 2.

Single-game tickets for all 2012 regular season home games, including a limited number of Opening Day tickets, go on sale Saturday, March 3 at 10 a.m. (CST). Tickets will be available online at royals.com, by phone at 1-800-6ROYALS, at metro area Hy-Vee stores and at the Kauffman Stadium Box Office. Opening Day tickets will not be available for purchase at Hy-Vee locations.

ROYALS OUTFIELDER ALEX GORDON NAMED

2011 LES MILGRAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR

photo by Minda Haas

Kansas City, MO (November 2, 2011) – The Kansas City Royals have announced that outfielder Alex Gordon has been named the 2011 Les Milgram Player of the Year. The award was voted on by the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA).

Gordon, 27, was a standout both offensively and defensively for the Royals in 2011 to earn his first career Les Milgram Player of Year. Last night, he won his first career Rawlings Gold Glove in his first full season in left field.

Offensively, Gordon set career highs in every category, batting .303 with 45 doubles, four triples, 23 home runs, 87 RBI, 101 runs scored and 17 stolen bases. Gordon ranked 10^th in the American League in batting while placing tied for sixth in the Majors in doubles, tied for sixth in the league in extra-base hits (72), eighth in hits and total bases (307), 10^th in runs and tied for 10^th in multi-hit games (50). He was one of five players in baseball with at least a .300 average, 45 doubles and 20 home runs, joining the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera, the Red Sox’ Jacoby Ellsbury and Adrian Gonzalez, and the Yankees’ Robinson Cano.

Defensively, the Royals’ first round selection (second overall) in 2005 led the Majors and set a Royals record with 20 outfield assists. He became the fifth outfielder in the Majors since 1969 to post at least 20 outfield assists while committing three errors or less. The Gold Glove was the 19^th all-time in franchise history and the first since second baseman Mark Grudzielanek in 2006.

The Royals announced yesterday that first baseman Eric Hosmer won the 2011 Joe Burke Special Achievement award. The 2011 Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year will be revealed tomorrow.

The following is a press release from the St. Louis Cardinals:

CARDINALS TO DEDICATE YADIER MOLINA FIELD TUESDAY (April 19)
Field in Wellston is one of 19 youth baseball fields sponsored by Cardinals Care

–STL–