By Fred Liggett
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Coming off a season that saw the Royals win 30 more games than the year before and reach the second round of the American League playoffs has fans excited to see what’s next in 2025. Royals fans young and old showed their enthusiasm for the upcoming season at the recent Royals Rally held at Kaufman Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 1. A number of events were scheduled over six hours that fans were able to get close to their favorite players, grab concessions and add to their collection of Royals memorabilia.
One of the events was a Royals celebrity read along, up first was Royals general manager JJ Piccolo who read a children’s book written by Royals broadcaster Rex Hudler. Another event being held in the club seats area was Catching Up with Pitchers. At this session KC Royals broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre asked questions of starting pitchers Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans and Michael Wacha. The next session saw Catching Up with the Infielders which brought out newly acquired Johnathan India, All-Star Bobby Witt, Jr. and Michael Massey. The last session of the day was called Catching Up with Royals Leadership where fans were treated to hearing from team owner John Sherman, GM Piccolo and third-year manager Matt Quartraro.
On site to enjoy as much of it as he could was Connor Williams of Lee’s Summit. Williams admitted he was “eager to get back to the stadium,” wanted to come and “see the new guys.” Like any fan Williams was looking forward to meeting certain players. Williams stated he “is really excited to see Jac Caglione” play the team’s first round pick a year ago. Williams is also excited about seeing current players who are returning to the field in 2025. Williams says, “I’m ready to see Salvy again, my favorite player.” One change the Royals made in the offseason that Williams liked was the bullpen upgrades. Williams comments, “I feel the bullpen will be unbelievable this year.”
Up next for the Royals is spring training which begins on February 12 down in Surprise, Arizona. The Royals open up the 2025 regular season at home on Thursday, Mar. 27 when they host the Cleveland Guardians with a 3:10 p.m. first pitch time. As the Royals embark on a new season and a return to the MLB post-season no doubt fans like Connor Williams will be on site rooting them on to score another win.