Kansas City Royals fans rallied Friday morning on the Country Club Plaza to wish the team well before the first American League Championship game against Toronto.
“It’s awesome. I was around for the first set of playoffs, went to the World Series games, season ticket holders back then,” says Debbie Childress of Smithville.
Childress, who braved the chill with three friends, says she hoping the Royals will be back-to-back American League champions.
“I’m excited about watching them win, watching all the boys get the home runs and just pounding the Blue Jays into the ground,” Childress says.
Music blared from the speakers as members of the K Crew encouraged morning commuters to honk as they passed. Sluggerrr danced with face-painted kids and swung at many of the balloon hats young fans were wearing.
Connor Heitman, a fifth grader from Grain Valley, says his favorite player is Lorenzo Cain, known for spectacular plays in the outfield and occasional big hits.
Heitman likes Kansas City’s odds against Toronto.
“I think we can sweep them,” he says.
The game begins at 7:07 p.m. Friday at Kauffman Stadium.
