There were lots of Kansas City Royals things going on in and around Kauffman Stadium this weekend. Find out what all went on aside from the three ballgames that you might have missed.
You know the Kansas City Royals hosted Cleveland for games Friday through Sunday this past weekend. What you might not know is what else went on around the Royals organization during that span.
Friday was KU Night at Kauffman Stadium. Members of the University of Kansas football team signed autographs prior to the game, and a couple even went out on the mound to throw out the first pitch.
(As a proud Mizzou alum, I will refrain from the classless mention of the Jayhawks’ 14-70 record since 2010. I’m better than that.)
The highlight of the night, though, happened in the stands during the game. (It certainly didn’t occur on the field.) Four walk-on players found out they had earned scholarships.
Check Out That Check
Also on hand for Friday night’s game was Tim Brown. No, not the former wide receiver who is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This was the guy who won $25,000 when Cam Gallagher smacked a grand slam in the sixth inning against Oakland last Monday night.
Brown was presented with his check and even got his jersey signed by Gallagher himself.
Sonic Slam contest winner Tim Brown was awarded his $25,000 check thanks to @camgally3545's 6th inning grand slam on Monday night! 👏 pic.twitter.com/w5YNEH7x9Q
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 19, 2017
Return of the ‘Ape’
The star of the weekend, though, was former Kansas City Royals pitcher Kevin Appier.
On Friday, he pitched in at Harvesters Community Food Network. With the help of several volunteers, over 500 bags of food were packed up.
The team also held a food drive during Saturday’s game as part of a friendly competition against the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
We packed 525 bags today at @HarvestersORG! Join us in the fight against hunger by bringing non-perishable food donations to #TheK. pic.twitter.com/nKaCzK5CVc
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 18, 2017
The Kansas City Royals gave away Appier bobbleheads on Saturday night. The Royals Hall of Famer was on hand to sign autographs and also threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Head to our @RoyalsAuthentic Store near Gate B to get your #AppierBobble autographed by the man himself! #LegendsNight pic.twitter.com/mRDii5ECRw
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 19, 2017
Toast the Yost
The Kansas City Royals were unable to get the win on Saturday, but the team still had reason to celebrate. Manager Ned Yost turned 63 on Saturday. He certainly would have preferred a victory as a birthday present, but I think a chance to play with his grandson is a good consolation prize.
Baseball fun with Grandpa Ned. 💙 #RaisedRoyal pic.twitter.com/SxMm56DVqK
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 19, 2017
Riding in Style
Sunday finally brought a win to the Boys in Blue. It also brought a few classic cars to the Truman Sports Complex parking lot, while some even made it onto the field at Kauffman Stadium.
It's a beautiful day for a spin around the field. Congrats to our top ten Cruisin' to #TheK participants! 😎 pic.twitter.com/IVfmYrAgBd
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 20, 2017
Kennedy Honored
Also taking the field before Sunday’s series finale was Ian Kennedy. The pitcher received the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award prior to the game. The award recognizes Kennedy’s efforts in supporting military families.
The Kennedy family hosts a different military organization every Saturday home game in a dugout suite. pic.twitter.com/BMAshNvpBU
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 20, 2017
This is just a sampling of the many things that go on at Kauffman Stadium during a typical homestand. There’s always more than just the ballgame to enjoy.
Next: Royals Need to Change Their Focus
So when you plan your next trip to The K, be sure to check out what other fun activities will be going on. Maybe, you will even get to meet some halfway decent football players. (Sorry, I had to.)