The following article was published in the Topeka Capital-Journal on April 8, 2018 – you can read it here
Sadly, the 50th season of the Kansas City Royals got off to an inauspicious start, to say the least. Not that we expected anything different. Cold hitting, even colder weather and erratic pitching made the first week of the season downright painful.
The product on the field during this year of turnover and redirection will be difficult to watch at times. So what do fans have to look forward to?
Hard-core fans will survive on the types of diversions that kept them going prior to 2014 — scouring the internet for reports on obscure minor leaguers and studying draft prospects who provide the slightest ray of hope for the future.
The more casual fan, however, will need some incentive for turning out to Kauffman Stadium this season. Here are a few that may keep you interested.
One of the true joys of living near The K is the freedom to jump in the car and make it to a game based on a last-minute decision. This allows fans the opportunity to check pitching matchups and say, “Hey, so-and-so is pitching tonight. We should go to the game.” And actually do it.
There will be a few pitchers, position players and teams appearing in KC this summer who are worth the drive. First and foremost may be Shohei Ohtani, who will come to town next weekend with the Los Angeles Angels. The signee from Japan is attempting to do something not done by anyone since Babe Ruth — play a position regularly when not filling a spot in the starting pitching rotation.
Much as I hate to say it, the Yankees will be worth watching when they come to town in mid-May, to see if their latest version of Murderers Row lives up to the billing.
And another benefit of living close to the stadium is the chance to attend the many promotional events the team hosts. T-shirt Tuesdays are an opportunity to build up your Royals’ wardrobe at minimal cost.
In addition to the usual slate of promotions — Fireworks Fridays, Buck Nights, Bark at the Park and nights dedicated to each of the area universities — a few special events highlight the schedule:
• Paint at the Park, April 26, June 3, Sept. 13 — Three offerings of a pregame painting class are planned this year.
• Salute to the Negro Leagues, May 6 — Seeing current ballplayers in throwback uniforms is reason enough to attend. But the Negro Leagues need to be remembered, and Kansas City of all cities should lead this effort.
• Big Slick, June 1 — The Royals have a unique collection of enthusiasts from Hollywood who love to come to Kauffman Stadium each year to play softball and yuck it up with the team. We’ll see if the event is as charming now that the team has lost some of its cachet.
• Yoga Day, Sept. 16 — Yoga enthusiasts actually get to go on the outfield grass for a guided session.
• Sunday Fun Runs — If you’ve never done it, you need to try at least one Sunday Fun Run sponsored by Sprint. It’s not just for kids. It’s a chance to set foot on the field. Take a few moments to look up into the stands and try to take it all in from a player’s perspective. It’s pretty impressive.
One of the trendiest attractions at ballparks is unique, gut-busting food options. Last year, the Royals boasted hot dogs topped with fried egg and gravy, and pork sandwiches with funnel cake buns. Not nearly as radical, this year you’ll be able to order edible cookie dough and Dunkin’ Donuts. DogFather Specialty Hot Dogs will offer a menu of “mafia-inspired” improvements on the traditional hot dog.
Celebrations are planned throughout the season to highlight the 50 years of Royals baseball. Perhaps fans can take this occasion to reflect back on the process employed 50 years ago to build this club the first time. The Royals were heralded as the model expansion franchise for the way they quickly built a championship-caliber club from scratch.
Judging by the product on the field this first week of 2018, a similar effort is required now.