Sports – Page 809 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Shields sharp as Royals take down Rockies 5-1

Posted on May 13, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Moments after James Shields struck out Rockies slugger Troy Tulowitzki, catcher Salvador Perez popped to his feet behind the plate and demanded the ball.

Shields raised his hands in utter confusion.

“He was like, `What’s going on? This is a good ball. I like this ball,” Royals manager Ned Yost said, “`and Salvy is making me throw the ball back in.”

It took Shields a moment — and some help from the scoreboard — to realize he had just reached 1,500 career strikeouts. It came in the sixth inning Tuesday night as he struck out the side, highlighting Kansas City’s 5-1 victory over hot-hitting Colorado.

“Normally when the umpire calls for the ball, the hitter is checking the ball or whatever, wants to take it out of play,” Shields said with a grin. “And I’m like, `I just struck the guy out!’ But once they pointed at the scoreboard I knew what was going on.”

The only run Shields (5-3) allowed came on an RBI single by Justin Morneau in the fourth inning. Shields wound up striking out eight without issuing a walk over seven sharp innings.

Perez helped him out with the bat, too, hitting a solo homer. Alcides Escobar drove in a pair of runs and Lorenzo Cain added a two-run shot to provide plenty of support.

Franklin Morales (3-3) gave up four runs for the Rockies. He allowed eight hits and four walks without a strikeout in five innings, needing 99 pitches just to get that far.

“I need to pitch better, man, because that’s my job,” he said. “I try to do the best I can, but when I’m behind in the count every time I got in trouble.”

The Royals jumped on Morales right from the start, a pair of double plays the only thing keeping the game from getting out of hand early. Still, Kansas City was able to coax a run across on a two-out single by Escobar to take the lead in the second inning.

Cain made it a 3-1 lead with his two-run shot in the fourth. It was the first home run by the Royals’ injury-prone outfielder since July 4 against Cleveland. The ball landed in the bullpen in left field to end a drought for Cain spanning 206 at-bats.

Perez added his solo shot in the fifth, the ball landing in just about the same spot.

That was more than enough support for Shields, who induced a double play to escape a jam in the second inning and then left two runners aboard in the fourth during a nice bounce-back performance at Kauffman Stadium.

In his previous home start, Shields allowed eight runs and 12 hits in a loss to Detroit.

“He did a good job of shutting this lineup down,” Rockies catcher Jordan Pacheco said.

When Shields recorded his milestone strikeout, the crowd at the K gave him a standing ovation. Shields appeared to be confused by the spontaneous applause, raising his hands on the mound as if to say, “What?” Eventually, he turned around on the rubber to see his strikeout mark on the giant video board in center field and started chuckling.

After stepping off the back of the mound, Shields tipped his cap and went back to work. He struck out Carlos Gonzalez to end the inning, then set down the Rockies in order in the seventh, finishing off his night by striking out Brandon Barnes for the second time.

“I knew about 10 days ago I was getting close,” Shields said. “To be honest with you, I didn’t even know how many strikeouts I had in the game. But that was a pretty special moment. Once I realized it, it’s kind of crazy to think — 1,500 strikeouts is quite a bit of strikeouts.”

— Associated Press —

Chiefs sign sixth-round draft pick Zach Fulton

Posted on May 13, 2014

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday that the club has signed offensive lineman Zach Fulton. Fulton was the first of the team’s two sixth-round picks from the 2014 NFL Draft (193rd overall). He became the first of Kansas City’s six selections in the draft to sign with the club.

Fulton (6-5, 323) played in 47 games at the University of Tennessee serving primarily as the school’s starter at right guard. He started three consecutive seasons with the Vols (2011-13) where he was part of an offense that consistently ranked among the NCAA’s best in multiple offensive categories.

In 2012, Fulton was recognized by the SEC as he earned an Offensive Lineman of the Week award. Prior to attending Tennessee, he played guard at Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Homewood, Illinois. Fulton’s younger brother (Xavier Fulton) is currently serving on the Saskatchewan Roughriders roster in the CFL.

— Chiefs Media Relations —

Northwest Missouri State sends five individuals, one relay to NCAAs

Posted on May 13, 2014

The Northwest Missouri State University track and field teams will be sending five individuals and one relay team to the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 22-24 in Allendale, Mich.

Anne Herbert qualified in the 3,000 steeplechase after improving her time last weekend to 10:46.10 at the NCC Dr. Keeler Invitational. She was the MIAA champion in that event. Lekiesha McKnight qualified in the shot put with a mark of 49’ 3.5” at the MIAA championships. Ashton Nibert’s time of 54.36 at the MIAA championships has qualified her for the 400 meter dash. The 4×400 meter relay team of Nibert, Alexis Boyd, Haley Manning and Audrey Bolinger also qualified after running 3:45.32 at the MIAA championships.

On the men’s side, John Petroff has qualified in the discus. His best throw of 174’2” came at the MIAA championships. Will Haer qualified in the pole vault, clearing 16’ 4.75” at the Missouri Relays.

The 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships will be held at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., on May 22-24.

— Northwest Sports Information —

Missouri’s Anderson officially adds Brad Loos to basketball coaching staff

Posted on May 13, 2014May 13, 2014

Mizzou Basketball Head Coach Kim Anderson continued to add to his coaching staff on Tuesday as he announced the hiring of Brad Loos as an assistant coach.

Loos, 35, spent 12 seasons with Anderson at the University of Central Missouri and was the program’s Associate Head Coach over his final five years in Warrensburg. The Mules accumulated an impressive 274-95 record in those 12 seasons overall and won 116 games his five years as Associate Head Coach, which included the 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship.

“I am very pleased to add Brad to our coaching staff and know our student-athletes and our fans will enjoy getting to know him, his wife Jennifer and their children, Brady, Rhyan and Charli,” Anderson said. “Brad was an instrumental part in our recruiting and player development at Central Missouri. He understands how we will build our program’s culture and what it takes every day from a player development standpoint to get the maximum out of our young men in practice and in the classroom.”

A native of Clarksville, Tenn., Loos began his career as a graduate assistant at UCM in 2002 and was quickly elevated to a full-time assistant role two years later. He was instrumental in the success of the Mules as a part of three NCAA Final Fours, six MIAA regular season championships, four MIAA tournament titles, and seven NCAA Tournament appearances.

Loos also recruited numerous all-conference and all-region performers, as well as three All-Americans for the program. Last season UCM welcomed 10 newcomers to its National Championship roster and Loos played a key role in attracting that talent to Warrensburg.

“I want to thank Coach Anderson, Mike Alden and everyone affiliated with Missouri Basketball for this incredible opportunity,” Loos said. “Our family has deep respect for Mizzou and what the program means, not just within the state, but nationally as well. I look forward to working with our student-athletes and our staff and am ready to get to work to help our young men reach their maximum potential.”

Loos is the son of current Austin Peay State Basketball Head Coach Dave Loos and was a student assistant coach for the Governors after playing four years for his father. Loos was an outstanding student-athlete, and was named to the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll four times as a player, and was the top basketball scholar-athlete for three years.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay in 2002 with a 3.8 grade-point average in Health and Human Performance. He received a master’s degree from UCM in Sports Administration in 2004.

— MU Sports Information —

Kansas announces 2014-15 non-conference basketball schedule

Posted on May 13, 2014May 13, 2014

Known for its schedule strength, Kansas men’s basketball will face traditional powers Kentucky, Florida, Georgetown, Utah, Temple and UNLV with the potential to meet up with the likes of Michigan State, Tennessee, Marquette, Georgia Tech and Rhode Island, making the 2014-15 non-conference schedule another difficult slate for the Jayhawks.

There is no doubt Kansas’ 2013-14 men’s basketball schedule was the toughest in the nation and KU’s 2014-15 non-conference schedule potentially includes six opponents who advanced to the 2014 postseason (four NCAA and two NIT). Add in the Big 12’s round-robin format and KU could play as many as 16 games versus 2014 NCAA Tournament teams and four against 2014 NIT squads.

“Obviously, next year’s non-conference will be very challenging,” head coach Bill Self said. “We always play a good schedule, but this past year was rated by many to be about as tough of a non-conference schedule that a team has played in years. Certainly, next year’s schedule will be one of the better non-conference schedules that anyone in America plays, as well. When you think about two teams that were in the Final Four last year with Kentucky and Florida, then you throw in the Orlando Classic, which is loaded, including Michigan State, then on the road at Georgetown and Temple along with other tough non-conference contests like Utah and UNLV, all of those will certainly prepare our guys to make another strong push at a conference championship.”

Along with the non-conference schedule unveiling, Kansas also announced the beloved tradition that kicks it all off. Late Night in the Phog will be held on Oct. 10.

The 2014-15 non-conference slate, paired with its home-and-home meetings against league foes, will help keep Kansas’ strength of schedule among the nation’s best. In KU head coach Bill Self’s 11 seasons in Lawrence, the Jayhawks’ strength of schedule has ranked 10th or higher six times, including four of the last five years dating back to 2009-10.

Strength of schedule is a factor in the RPI, one of the tools the NCAA Basketball Committee uses to select and seed teams in the NCAA Tournament. Kansas’ RPI has checked in at No. 5 or better each of the last five seasons, including No. 1 in 2010 and 2011. The Jayhawks ended 2013-14 at No. 4 in the final RPI.

Kansas will play 2014 NCAA runner-up Kentucky Nov. 18 in Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis in the fourth Champions Classic. KU and UK last met in the Champions Classic in 2011 in Madison Square Garden in what was an early preview to the 2012 NCAA Championship game at the Final Four in New Orleans. This historic contest pits the two winningest teams in college basketball history with Kentucky at 2,140 wins and Kansas at 2,126 victories.

Kansas will open the regular season playing host to UC Santa Barbara on Nov. 14 as historic Allen Fieldhouse enters its 60th season. The Gauchos feature the 2013-14 NCAA rebound leader in senior Alan Williams who averaged 11.5 boards per game as a junior.

Kansas will make its first appearance in the Orlando Classic in Orlando, Florida, Nov. 27-30. The brackets have yet to be set, but the eight confirmed teams participating in the event include: Kansas, Michigan State, Tennessee, Marquette, Georgia Tech, Rhodes Island, Santa Clara and Rider. Kansas will host Rider on Nov. 24 in an early Orlando Classic matchup.

Non-Conference Opponent Breakdown

–UC Santa Barbara (Nov. 14 in Lawrence) improved 10 wins from the 2012-13 season by going 21-9 and finishing second in the Big West with a 12-4 league record in 2013-14. In 16 seasons as head coach at UCSB, Bob Williams has guided the Gauchos to 20-plus victories 11 times. Senior forward Alan Williams lead the NCAA with an 11.5 rpg in 2013-14. Kansas won the only meeting with UCSB, 72-52, in the opening round of the Wolf Pack Holiday Classic, Dec. 20, in Reno, Nevada, in Bill Self’s first season at Kansas.

–Kentucky (Nov. 18 in Indianapolis at the Champions Classic) finished runner-up to Connecticut in the 2014 NCAA title game in Dallas, posting a 29-11 overall record. The Wildcats tied Georgia for second in the Southeastern Conference with a 12-6 record and finished runner-up in the SEC Tournament to Florida, KU’s Dec. 5 foe in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. After a Kansas three-game win streak versus Kentucky, the Wildcats have won the last two meetings, both during the 2011-12 season: 75-65 in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden and 67-59 in the NCAA Championship game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

–Rider (Nov. 24 in Lawrence, Orlando Classic) went 14-17 in 2013-14 and tied for sixth in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with a 9-11 record. The Broncs are coached by Kevin Baggett, who led Rider to a 19-15 record in 2012-13, his first season at Rider. Kansas is 2-0 versus Rider with both games in Allen Fieldhouse: 110-72 on Dec. 12, 1987, and 103-51 on Dec. 15, 1990.

–Pairings for the Orlando Classic (Nov. 27, 28 and 30) have not been announced. Joining Kansas in the eight-team field is Michigan State (MSU leads the series 6-4 and has won the last three meetings with the previous 67-64 in Atlanta in the 2012 Champions Classic); Tennessee (series is tied at 1-1 with UT winning the last meeting 76-68 on Jan. 10, 2010, in Knoxville); Marquette (KU leads 6-1 and has won the last three meetings. The previous matchup was in the 2003 Final Four, a KU 94-61 victory in New Orleans); Georgia Tech (KU leads 5-1 with the last meeting a 71-66 Jayhawk win in Atlanta on Dec. 18, 2007, during KU’s 2008 NCAA National Championship season); Rhode Island (KU leads 2-1, including an 80-69 win on Dec. 30, 2006, in Allen Fieldhouse in the last matchup); Santa Clara (KU leads 5-0 with the last meeting a 99-73 KU victory on Nov. 14, 1997, in Allen Fieldhouse) and Rider, who Kansas will play Nov. 24 in Lawrence.

–Florida (Dec. 5 in Lawrence) will face Kansas in the second SEC/Big 12 Challenge with this year’s meeting in Allen Fieldhouse. The Gators went 36-3 in 2013-14, posted a perfect 18-0 in winning the SEC regular-season title, won the SEC Tournament and entered the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed. Kansas leads the overall series with Florida 3-2 with three of the five meetings being top-10 nationally-ranked contests. Last year Florida defeated Kansas, 67-61, in Gainesville.

–Georgetown (Dec. 10 in Washington, D.C.) finished the 2013-14 season with an 18-15 record advancing to the second round of the NIT. The Hoyas were 8-10 in the BIG EAST, placing seventh. Kansas has a 2-1 series edge against Georgetown after last year’s 86-64 win on Dec. 21 in Allen Fieldhouse. A traditional power, Georgetown won the first meeting, 70-57, in the 1987 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in Louisville, Ky., and Kansas edged GU, 67-63, in the opening round of the 2011 Maui Invitational.

–Utah (Dec. 13 at Sprint Center in Kansas City) went 21-12 and finished tied for eighth in the Pac-12. The Utes fell to St. Mary’s in the first round of the 2014 NIT. It was Utah’s first postseason appearance under third-year head coach Larry Krystkowiak. Kansas won the only meeting with Utah, 79-68, on Nov. 25, 1995, at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri, in The Classic.

–Lafayette (Dec. 20 in Lawrence) is located in Easton, Pennsylvania, and the Leopards went 11-20 overall and tied for seventh in the Patriot League with a 6-12 record. Lafayette head coach Fran O’Hanlon will be entering his 20th season on the Leopards’ sidelines. O’Hanlon has guided Lafayette to three conference titles and two NCAA Tournament appearances. The Jayhawks and the Leopards have yet to face each other in men’s basketball.

–Temple (Dec. 22 in Philadelphia) is looking to rebound from a 9-22 season in 2013-14 where the Owls tied for eighth in the American Athletic Conference with a 4-14 league record. In his eight seasons at Temple, head coach Fran Dunphy has guided the Owls to three Atlantic 10 titles and six NCAA Tournament appearances. Kansas has won the last three meetings with Temple and leads the overall series 8-3. The Jayhawks defeated the Owls, 69-62, on Jan. 6, 2013, in Allen Fieldhouse in their last meeting.

–Kent State (Dec. 30 in Lawrence) went 16-16 last season, including a 7-11 record which ended the Golden Flashes fifth in the Mid-American Conference East standings. Kent State head coach Rob Senderoff has guided the Golden Flashes to two 20-win seasons and postseason appearances in his three years at Kent State.

–UNLV (Jan. 4 in Lawrence) went 20-13 in 2013-14 and finished tied for third in the Mountain West Conference with a 10-8 record. In head coach David Rice’s first two seasons at UNLV, the Running Rebels advanced to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances going 26-9 in 2011-12 and 25-10 in 2012-13. Kansas has won all four meetings with UNLV with the last being in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, a KU 75-56 win in Omaha on March 22, 2008, en route to its NCAA National Championship.

Kansas will open the 2014-15 season with home exhibition games against Washburn (Nov. 4) and Emporia State (Nov. 11).

For the third-straight year, KU will have home-and-home meetings against all nine Big 12 Conference foes. Besides Kansas, other conference teams that participated in the 2014 NCAA Tournament included Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas. West Virginia played in the 2014 NIT. The Big 12 traditionally releases that schedule in July.

Season ticket sales for KU’s 18 home games, the 17 in Allen Fieldhouse and the Dec. 13 game against Utah in the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., are on sale now. To order tickets fans must be active members of the Williams Education Fund, which can be done by making a minimum gift pledge of just $100.

KU has led its conference in home attendance each of the last 28 seasons, dating back to the 1986-87 season. The Jayhawks will look to capture a 11th consecutive Big 12 regular-season championship in 2014-15.

2014-15 Men’s Basketball Non-Conference Schedule

Nov. 4 vs. Washburn (Exh.)
Nov. 11 vs. Emporia State (Exh.)
Nov. 14 vs. UC Santa Barbara
Nov. 18 vs. Kentucky (at Indianapolis)
Nov. 24 vs. Rider (Orlando Classic)
Nov. 27 vs. TBA (Orlando Classic)
Nov. 28 Semifinals (orlando Classic)
Nov. 30 Championship (Orlando Classic)
Dec. 5 vs. Florida
Dec. 10 @ Georgetown
Dec. 13 vs. Utah (Sprint Center)
Dec. 20 vs. Lafayette
Dec. 22 @ Temple
Dec. 30 vs. Kent State
Jan. 4 vs. UNLV

— KU Sports Information —

Five Bearcats earn USTFCCCA All-Region honors

Posted on May 13, 2014May 13, 2014

Five members of the Northwest Missouri State University track and field teams have earned U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Region honors. The top five individuals in each event from each region earned the All-Region distinction, in addition to each of the members of the regions’ top three relay teams.

For the women, Anne Herbert earned honors in the 3,000 steeplechase, Lekiesha McKnight was honored in the shot put and Ashton Nibert garnered distinction in the 400 meter dash. For the men, John Petroff was honored in the discus andRyan Cox earned the award in the 1,500 meter run.

Northwest will now await selections for the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. This year’s championships will be held at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MIch., on May 22-24.

— Northwest Sports Information —

Daniel Sams to transfer from Kansas State

Posted on May 13, 2014May 13, 2014

The explosive offense at Kansas State has apparently lost one of its weapons for next football season.

According to GoPowercat.com, Sherrell Griffin has confirmed that her son, Daniel Sams, will transfer from K-State. Sams switched from quarterback to wide receiver during spring drills, leaving Jake Waters as the leader of the Wildcat offense.

Not a lot of details are available at this time and Daniel Sams took to Twitter as he posted the following: “If twitter had enough characters to go on I will do that. I just wanna say I love my team, the fans, and this journey. #emaw at heart I promise”

Sams led all Big 12 quarterbacks with 807 yards rushing, which ranked ninth overall in the league. But during K-State’s late-season run, which included wins in six of its seven final games, Waters gradually took over the full-time job.

To get back on the field, Sams requested a position change to receiver during the spring. But he had only two grabs for nine yards in K-State’s spring game.

Missouri Western finalizes 2014 football schedule

Posted on May 13, 2014May 13, 2014

With the finalization of road game times, the 2014 Griffon Football is complete. The 11 game schedule features seven teams with winning records from a season ago including two teams with double digit wins (Northwest Missouri State and Pittsburg State). The combined record of Griffon opponents was 71-50.

The season begins with the first of five home games as Central Missouri comes to Spratt Stadium on Thursday, September 4 with game time set for 7 PM.

A return to national television is set for Thursday, September 25 as the Griffons will play their first ever meeting with Lindenwood in St. Charles, Missouri as part of the CBS Sports Network Division II Game of the Week package. It’s the second appearance for the Griffons as part on CBS Sports Network with the previous appearance coming at Washburn during the 2011 season and marks the twelfth TV appearance in the Jerry Partridge era.

In addition to the home opener, other regular season Spratt Stadium appearances include; Family Day on Saturday, September 20 against Northeastern State, the Hall of Fame Game on October 4 against Pittsburg State, Homecoming on October 25 against Emporia State and Senior Day against Nebraska-Kearney on November 8.

Another marquee date on the schedule is Saturday, November 1 as the Griffons renew the rivalry with Northwest Missouri State at Bearcat Stadium in Maryville with kickoff set for 1 PM.

The season culminates with the NCAA Division II Football National Championship Game on Saturday, December 20 which moves from its longtime home in Florence, Alabama to Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas hosted by the MIAA.

As the MIAA Television Network has yet to release their television schedule, game times are subject to change.

Season tickets are on sale now by calling 816-271-5904 or log on to gogriffons.com. Single game tickets will go on sale mid-summer.

2014 GRIFFON FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Thur. 9/4 CENTRAL MISSOURI 7:00 PM
Sat. 9/13 at Central Oklahoma 6:00 PM
Sat. 9/20 NORTHEASTERN STATE 6:00 PM
Thur. 9/25 at Lindenwood 7:00 PM CBS SPORTS NETWORK
Sat. 10/4 PITTSBURG STATE 6:00 PM
Sat. 10/11 at Fort Hays State 7:00 PM
Sat. 10/18 at Washburn 1:00 PM
Sat. 10/25 EMPORIA STATE 1:30 PM
Sat. 11/1 at Northwest Missouri State 1:00 PM
Sat. 11/8 NEBRASKA-KEARNEY 1:30 PM
Sat. 11/15 at Missouri Southern 1:00 PM

— MWSU Sports Information —

MWSU’s Bishop, Gillaspy named to Daktronics Central Region 1st-Team

Posted on May 13, 2014May 13, 2014

Missouri Western softball players Jackie Biship and Tiffany Gillaspy have been named to the Daktronics Central Region First team which was released Monday afternoon. Bishop was also named the region Pitcher of the Year for the second time in her career.

Bishop is completed one of the most successful playing careers in Missouri Western softball history. The Kirksville, Mo., natvie is a four-time First Team All-MIAA selection, two time MIAA Pitcher of the Year (2012-2014), four-time First Team All-Region recipient and an All-American selection in 2012. Bishop was also the MIAA Freshman of the Year in 2011. Bishop holds MWSU softball career records for wins (96), strikeouts (977), innings pitched (828.0), appearances (142) complete games (105) and shutouts (29). Additionally the two-time MIAA Pitcher of the Year holds MWSU single-season records for strikeouts (291) and shutouts (12) and is an integral member of a senior class that went 159-62 in its time dawning the Black and Gold. This season, the right-handed pitcher finished with a 26-10 overall record with a 1.36 ERA. The 26 wins is the most she had in a single season. She finished leading the MIAA with 291 strikeouts. She pitched 31 complete games with 12 shutouts and two saves this season. She gave up just 4.4 hits per games while striking out 8.3 per game. She thrw three no-hitters this season and four in her career. She was named the MIAA AstroTurf Pitcher of the Week four times this season and 11 times in her career.

Gillaspy topped off an impressive junior campaign being named first team All-Region and first team All-MIAA for the first time in her career. Gillaspy a two-time MIAA AstroTurf Hitter of the Week finished her season getting a hit in 23 of her last 25 games and had an 19 game hitting streak during that run. She also hit safely in 45 of the Griffons 57 games this season. She finished the season leading the Griffons and was in the top-10 in the MIAA in batting average (.390), hits (73), doubles (13), home runs (13), RBI (60), total baseas (125) and slugging percentage (.668). Gillaspy was an honorable mention All-MIAA selection a in 2013. She had double digit hits in 21 games including going 4-for-4 against Central Missouri on March 14. She has also had five RBI in a game three times and hit two home runs and a double against Lincoln on April 12. On the final day of the season she went 4-for-7 with two runs scored, four RBI a double and a home run in the NCAA Central Regional.

The Griffons finished their season 39-18 overall and won their first ever MIAA Tournament Championship going 4-0 and outscoring their opponents 41-9. They Griffons have won 30+ games in four straight seasons.

Each member of the first-team All-Central Region squad will join first-team members from each of the other seven regions on the ballot for the Daktronics All-America Team.

The D2SIDA All-America softball team is sponsored by Daktronics, Inc., an acknowledged world leader in scoring, timing and programmable display systems for virtually every sport at every level of competition. The teams are voted on by the members of D2SIDA, NCAA Division II Sports Information Directors Association.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Homestand Highlights: May 13-21

Posted on May 13, 2014May 13, 2014

KANSAS CITY, MO (May 12, 2014) – The Kansas City Royals will return home on Tuesday, May 13 for a nine-game homestand against the Colorado Rockies, Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox. Special annual programs will occur throughout the homestand including School Day at The K and Salute to the Negro Leagues. Fans will also have a chance to enjoy new events including Zubazpalooza on May 16 and WWI Museum Night on May 17. In addition, fans can get great giveaway items on select nights. Please see below for more information.

Tuesday, May 13 – Colorado Rockies vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

T-shirt Tuesday – The first 10,000 fans will receive a t-shirt highlighting the team’s 2014 slogan, ‘Be Royal’, courtesy of Metropolitan Community College (photo attached).
MCC Night at the K – More than 500 Metropolitan Community College students and employees will join us to celebrate their new partnership with the Royals.
Wednesday, May 14 – Colorado Rockies vs. Royals, 1:10 p.m.

School Day at The K presented by FOX 4 – The Royals and FOX 4 WDAF-TV welcome students to Kauffman Stadium for the largest educational field trip in Kansas City. The event will feature an on-field weather and science demonstration, as well as a science fair. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. with the presentation scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. For tickets, call (816) 504-4040, option 4, or visit www.royals.com/schoolday.
Weather DVD – The first 10,000 fans will get a Weather DVD, courtesy of FOX 4.
Play It Forward Contest presented by Missouri Lottery – Round two of the bracket-style contest begins as the fans vote for the new sixth inning sing-a-long song. During each game until June 7, fans in the ballpark will vote for one of two songs that will be announced during pregame by KMBZ Radio’s Dana Wright and Scott Parks of “Dana & Parks” on CrownVision. The song with the most votes will be played during the sixth inning of that same game, and the overall contest winner will be played in the remaining games of the 2014 season. www.royals.com/playitforward
Thursday, May 15 – Baltimore Orioles vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

GordoNation – Fans can enjoy being a part of GordoNation, a special seating section in left field that will be reserved for die-hard Alex Gordon fans on Thursday home games throughout the season. The first 100 GordonNation fans will also receive an Alex Gordon big head. Tickets cost $35 and come with a gold GordoNation t-shirt. (photo attached) For details, visit www.royals.com/gordonation.
All You Can Eat Seats – Fans can purchase All You Can Eat Seats located in the Loge Level (Sec. 318 – 325), which include unlimited ballpark fare. All the hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, pretzels and Pepsi products you can handle for $40 per seat! Individual and group discount tickets available. For details, visit www.royals.com/allyoucaneat.
Friday, May 16 – Baltimore Orioles vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

Zubazpalooza Day at The K – The Royals are excited to host the inaugural Zubazpalooza Day at The K! Fans can purchase a special ticket package that includes a ticket to the game and a pair of Royals-themed Zubaz pants. (photo attached) The pants can be picked up from the Zubaz bus that will be located between Lot H and Lot M. For more information, visit www.royals.com/zubazpalooza.
Buck Night – Hot dogs, small Pepsi products and peanuts are just $1 each all night long. www.royals.com/fanvalue.
Summer Fireworks – Fans will enjoy a spectacular fireworks show, presented by Hy-Vee and Pepsi, after the game.
Saturday, May 17 – Baltimore Orioles vs. Royals, 6:10 p.m.

National WWI Museum Night – Fans can join the Royals for a special remembrance of America’s heroes, presented by Waddell and Reed. Special artifacts from the war will be on display around the ballpark for fans to view. In addition, the first 20,000 fans will receive special Buy One, Get One coupons for entrance to the museum.
610 Saturday – The Royals have teamed up with Entercom and 610 Sports Radio for special pregame festivities outside Rivals Sports Bar that include 610 Sports Radio personalities, special guests, food and drink specials and much more. Fans can enjoy the 610 Saturday Appetizer Special – Ballpark Nachos for just $6.10 – in Rivals Sports Bar from the time the gates open until the first pitch. Listen to 610 Sports Radio and receive a coupon code to purchase a ticket for only $6.10 in the Hy-Vee Infield. www.royals.com/610saturday.
Sunday, May 18 – Baltimore Orioles vs. Royals, 1:10 p.m.

Salute to the Negro Leagues – The Royals and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum pay tribute to Kansas City’s rich baseball tradition with this annual salute. On the field, both teams don Negro League uniforms that fans can bid on after the game at www.royals.com/NLBM
or mlb.mlb.com/auction. The Royals will be wearing mid-1920s cream and navy blue Monarchs jerseys, while the Orioles will wear late-1920s Black Sox jerseys. All of the game-worn and autographed uniforms from both teams will be auctioned off to benefit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Additionally, some of the game-worn Monarchs hats will be available for auction at the Royals Authentics Store exclusively on this day.

Dressed to the Nines – In celebration of the Negro Leagues, the Royals have also partnered with the museum for the first annual “Dressed To The Nines” event. All fans are encouraged to wear their Sunday best to the game in honor of the tradition of attending Negro Leagues games Dressed to the Nines! A portion of each ticket sold will benefit the museum.
Monarchs Fedora – In conjunction with Salute to the Negro Leagues and Dressed to the Nines, the first 10,000 fans will receive a Kansas City Monarchs Fedora! (photo attached)
Family FunDay Sunday – Each Sunday home game features pregame interactive kids entertainment by School of Rock, plus face painters, caricature or balloon artists in the Outfield Experience. New this season, fans also have the opportunity to get pregame autographs with select players each Sunday. All-Day Play Passes for unlimited activities in the Outfield Experience are available for just $10. In addition, the Royals are offering a Family FunDay Sunday 4-Pack that includes four Hy-Vee Infield tickets, $10 in loaded value per ticket to use for concessions and merchandise, and four All-Day Play Passes – over $150 in value – for just $80! www.royals.com/sunday.
Sunday Fun Run – All fans 14 and under can run the bases after the game (conditions permitting).
Monday, May 19 – Chicago White Sox vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

Value Monday – All Hy-Vee Level tickets, excluding Hy-Vee Box, are just $8 courtesy of Hy-Vee. www.royals.com/fanvalue.
Tuesday, May 20 – Chicago White Sox vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

Tourism Night – The first 10,000 fans will receive a KC Attractions Coupon Sheet courtesy of the Greater Kansas City Attractions Association filled with valuable offers from attractions all over town. In addition to in-game prize giveaways, fans can head out to the Outfield Experience to visit various booths and activities regarding area travel and events.
Wednesday, May 21 – Chicago White Sox vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

Student Night presented by INK Magazine – Rivals Outfield Box or Hy-Vee Infield tickets are available for Wednesday home games for youth and students with a valid ID at the Kauffman Stadium Box Office for just $8. Select tickets are also available online at www.royals.com/studentnight. Seating is subject to availability. All Student Nights include pregame food and beverage specials available at the Crown Classic concession area.
Local Music Showcase presented by INK Magazine – Catch a free pregame concert on us. Every Wednesday Student Night also features live local music prior to the game in the Outfield Experience. Performing during this showcase will be Not a Planet. For details, visit www.royals.com/studentnight.
Fans may purchase tickets online at royals.com, by calling 1-800-6ROYALS, at area Hy-Vee stores or at the Kauffman Stadium Box Office.

For more information, members of the media may contact the Royals Publicity Department at (816) 921-8000.