It's only a few more days until the Royals are back in action defending their crown. Much excitement surrounds Opening Day and fans have a chance to be a part of it.
The Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, Inc. has partnered with the Kansas City Royals, the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and VML for the Relay the Way fundraiser to throw the "Longest Opening Day First Pitch."
Previous Story:'Longest Opening Day First Pitch' raises money for Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy
The funds will be used to construct a new facility called the MLB Urban Youth Academy. It will be located in the 18th and Vine District north of the Negro League Museum.
“There are going to be four baseball fields - two regular sized, one softball field and one little league field. The plan is to also have an indoor facility so that kids can use the facilities all year around,” said Carolyn Watley, president of CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services of Kansas City.
The $14.5 million will offer professional coaching, mentorship and career training for no charge.
The “longest pitch” idea came from VML as a way to get the community involved and excited.
The longest pitch route start at Union Station and will go through Grand Boulevard, 18th Street, Brooklyn Avenue, Linwood Boulevard to Kauffman Stadium - nearly 9 1/2 miles.
The video above shows the pitch route time lapsed.
“We thought that would be a great way to get the fans excited and pick up kind of where we left off last year for the World Series win at Union Station and get the community behind the Urban Youth Academy and actually have them aware that there is going to be an urban youth academy and help participate in the fundraising," said Watley.
How will it work?
- Pitch will start at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 3 and is anticipated to end at about 3 p.m.
- Participants will be standing approximately 20 feet apart and have 10 seconds to throw to the next person.
- Streets will close and reopen as the pitch progresses.
There’s still time to be a part of the event
- For a minimum donation of $30, a fan can secure a spot in line to relay the first pitch from Union Station to Kauffman.
- There are also volunteer opportunities.
Visit www.relaytheway.com for signup and other information.
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