Cover Photo: Hunter Dozier (#17) hit a 3-run home run against the Minnesota Twins on June 23. The Royals wore Monarch uniforms in its “Salute to the Negro Leagues” game. Photo Kansas City Royals.
Sunday Wins, Championship Rings, and Summer Camps
By Sam Kombrink
For most of the spring season, sports in Kansas City has been pretty dull to say the least. On Sunday June 23rd, our teams delivered for us fans.
ROYALS
On Sunday, the Royals got to wear their “Salute to the Negro Leagues” uniforms, and they paid tribute by splitting a four-game series against the Minnesota Twins, who are leading the American League Central with a record of 50-27. The Royals now have a record of 28-53. I know it’s ugly to read but on the bright side they have a record of 5-5 in their last 10 games.
Why are the Royals 5-5 in the last 10 games? Offense. And the Bullpen capitalizing on mistakes made earlier in the year.
The Royals were able to get a 6-1 win with the help from third basemen Hunter Dozier (#17). Dozier who has spent time on the DL and in the delivery room, as he welcomed his second child on Thursday, came up big for the Royals by hitting a three-run home run in the 5th inning, and making dirty plays in the hot corner.
The pitching also contributed to the win, as Homer Bailey (#21) only gave up one run and five hits while finishing with five strikeouts on the day. Homer was replaced by Kevin McCarthy in the 7th inning. McCarthy had the bases loaded, but was able to bounce back by recording six straight outs, rewarding himself with his first career save.
Dozier is also a finalist for the MLB All-Star Game, and voting ends Thursday, June 7th at 4 pm. Let’s show him some support.
The Royals are currently playing a three game road series verses the Cleveland Indians, who I believe will end up winning the American League Central this year.
SPORTING KC
Sporting Kansas City was able to sneak away with their first road win of the season on Sunday afternoon in Columbus, Ohio.
Sporting KC (4-5-7) won the match 1-0 over the Columbus Crew (5-10-2). The win included four clutch saves by goalkeeper Tim Melia and a header by Felipe Gutierrez early in the second half. The game was played against a familiar face, Columbus goalkeeper Jon Kempin, who played for Sporting KC from 2011-2016 and attended Blue Valley North High School.
With a record of 4 Wins, 5 Losses, 7 Draws, and t still being early in the season, expect Sporting KC to get healthy and make it back into the playoff picture. Out of the top seven seeds in the MLS Western Conference Standings, Sporting KC is currently sitting at 9th.
C U in the Major Leagues at the Jewish Community Center 
C U in the Major Leagues Women’s Softball Urban League 
C U in the Major Leagues Urban League
C YOU IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES BASEBALL CAMP
Last week the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City hosted its 5th annual “C You in the Major Leagues Baseball Camp” and I got to chat with Bob Hennecke, the Sports and Recreation Program Coordinator at “The J” located at 115th and Nall.
– With the number of youth Baseball players at a decreased level in 2019, how big of an impact would you say this camp has on its young ball players?
“The camp provides young ball players with high quality instruction by leaders in the baseball community. Campers have the opportunity to hear from and learn from those who have made a career in baseball.”
–What life lessons would you say are developed while playing baseball or softball growing up?
“With the right leadership, youth baseball and softball participation can provide a myriad of positive life lessons–from being a good teammate, to learning how to compete, to being able to deal positively with success and failure, etc.”
The “C You in the Major Leagues Baseball Camp” is a camp where young players are able to train and learn from those that run a major league baseball organization. The camp has sold out each of the five years, with over 100 campers each year. As for plans for the future, the camp hopes to be able to continue their partnership with Dayton Moore and his Foundation for many years to come. They would also like to offer a girls softball version of the camp as well.
NBA Star Helps Grandview Basketball Team Celebrate Success
The 2018-19 Grandview Bulldogs Basketball team received their State Championship rings. Grandview High School also inducted NBA Guard and former Bulldog Alec Burks as well as longtime Athletic Director Steve Robertson, who had been with Grandview since 1987. The Grandview Bulldogs Basketball program looks to continue their success after winning back to back state titles in 2018 & 2019.
