By Sam Kombrink
I have never had the chance to attend the Big Slick Celebrity softball game at the “K”, but it looks like I really missed out this year because Patrick Mahomes showed up, and he delivered for Kansas City once again. Heck, for some season ticket holders, seeing Mahomes send one might be the best thing they have seen so far this season.
Most of us had the privilege to see Mahomes show off his basketball skills at a local Life Time Fitness and afterwards there was a list of things he could not do. That list included basketball, water or snow skiing, jet skiing, surfing, hang gliding, bungee jumping, diving, scuba diving, rock or mountain climbing, boxing, race car driving as driver or passenger, riding a motorcycle, motor bike, all terrain or similar vehicle as driver or passenger, use of firearms, professional wrestling, and the like.
The list was made soon after Brett Veach, Chiefs general manager, saw the video of what Mahomes can do with a basketball. I would like to point out that nowhere does it say the man can’t play softball, or even baseball.
A former college baseball player at Texas Tech, Mahomes spent most of his time on the mound, but on Saturday he wanted room to roam in the outfield. He hit a homerun, and said he was going to Worlds of Fun. Andy told him not to pull a Bo Jackson, which makes you think. If Mahomes was to become a two-sport athlete, how much better could he make the Royals?
KC Royals are Wittless for now
As for the Royals, they are still sitting at the bottom of the American League Central Division, with a record of 22-47. The season is long yes, but contention is going, going, gone. That does not mean we should not go out and enjoy a beautiful summer day at Kauffman Stadium, and hey, if we’re getting rocked, and you happen to catch a sunburn, you can always leave for the pool.
On a more positive note the Royals just got done with the MLB Draft, where they landed a talented ball player. With the second pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, the Kansas City Royals selected Bobby Witt Jr., a shortstop from Colleyville, Texas and the son of former MLB pitcher Bob Witt. Wait until you see what his son can do in the big leagues. During his senior year at Colleyville High, Bobby Witt Jr. had a batting average of .489 BA and hit 15 homeruns with a career high 55 RBIs.
The Royals have just signed Bobby Witt Jr. to a deal worth $7,789,90, awaiting results from a physical.
Royals fans should not expect him to be in a Royals uniform anytime soon, unlike Royals prospect Bubba Starling, a former first round pick in 2011 from Gardner Edgerton High School. Starling is currently playing centerfield for the Omaha Storm Chasers. Royals fans have waited long enough for this guy to get his shot and now it’s time to give him his chance to play in the big leagues.
Here are Starling’s current stats: .345 batting average, .387 on base %, .474 slugging %, .861 on base + slugging %, 24 RBIs, 4 homeruns, 8 stolen bases.
The Royals have absolutely nothing to lose by sending up their younger players. They started with Nicky Lopez and Kelvin Gutierez, and now its Bubba time in KC.
Sporting KC injuries
As for Sporting KC, they have a record of 3 wins, 5 losses and 7 draws. Sporting is still battling more injuries following Saturday night’s 2-2 draw against Toronto FC.
Roger Espinoza (PCL), Erik Hurtado (knee), Jaylin Lindsey (meniscus) and Rodney Wallace (hip) all remain out for Sporting Kc, and Rockhurst alum, defender Matt Besler, is battling hamstring issues.
Much like the Royals season, Sporting’s season is a long one and once they can get back to 100% I have no doubt that Sporting KC will be a contender again, with a turnaround much like the St. Louis Blues have had in hockey.
Sports Camp News
Alec Burks Basketball Academy –
On June 28, Grandview High School will host the Alec Burks Basketball Academy. Alec Burks currently plays in the NBA for the Sacramento Kings. He played college ball at Colorado University and is a former Grandview Bulldog.
Boys & Girls 1st-9th Grade
- 9 a.m. – noon (1st – 5th Grade)
- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. – (6th-9th Grade)
- FREE ADMISSION
- @ Grandview High School
And one last thing, all of us sports fans in Martin City and Kansas City would agree that if Patrick Mahomes was our closer, the Kansas City Royals would certainly have a better record.