A sign of spring arrives at Kauffman Stadium, as Royals drive equipment truck to Arizona

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Here’s a sign on this cold, dreary day that spring is not that far away.

The Royals equipment truck left Kauffman Stadium on Friday for the Royals spring training complex in Surprise, Ariz.

It didn’t feel like spring on Friday. About 20 clubhouse attendants, stadium service personnel and grounds crew recruits under the direction of equipment guru Chuck Hawke worked in 28 degree weather on Friday morning. The wind chill was 15 degrees.

The equipment included balls and bats. Most players bring their own gloves and shoes. The truck is expected to arrive in Surprise on Monday.

Pat Gorman began packing equipment up at the stadium starting on December 1. He told Royals.com there were 80 boxes and bags. There were also 10 large equipment trunks, some of them dating back to the Royals first year in 1969.

Pitchers and catchers report one week from Monday. Position players must report to camp later in the week, but about a dozen position players are already there. There will be 57 players competing in the first full-squad workout on February 25.