KANSAS CITY, Mo. - This year the Royals celebrate 50 years in Kansas City. The excitement started this weekend with the baseball team's annual “FanFest” at Bartle Hall.
In the sea of blue shirts, hats and, in some cases, pants, 41 Action News wanted to find the biggest Royals fan.
The event was full of children’s activities. Between running down the baselines and playing wiffleball with retired Royals, friends argued over who was a bigger fan.
“I’m a big fan,” said one boy.
“I’m a huge, ginormous fan,” his friend one-upped him.
Then there was a fan no one could argue wasn’t super. He goes by the name “KC Superman” and he was sporting a Royals cap with his signature cape and “S” on his chest. His beard didn’t hide his optimistic smile.
“I think it's going to be a super, good season,” he said. “Don't worry. We're building. We got good coaching, good staff. It's going to come together. Keep on being super fans and you're going to see a very good season. I tell you that!”
Among the crowd of jersey-clad fans, we found Joe Hootman wearing a jersey with his own name on the back. But he hopes his son, Joe, Jr., walks away from FanFest with a few tips from the professionals that may help him earn an official player’s jersey.
“I hope one day he plays for the Royals,” Hootman said.
Checking out a miniature version of the Royals Hall of Fame, we spotted a fan with a good luck charm we couldn't ignore: a blue wig. Marcel Taylor wears the hair and Royals-logoed pants to every game he attends.
“For good luck,” he explained. “[Fans] usually compliment me on the hair.”
In the merchandise store was fan bursting with enthusiasm. His outlook reminded us why Kansas City loves the Royals so much.
“I just love their heart. They are so inspiring to watch. They are more than a baseball team, it's like watching a family out there,” said Beau Carignan.
Lastly, we found the 41 Action News Today anchor Lindsay Shively. She grew up around Kansas City and considers herself a diehard fan.
“I have a 2015 World Series shirt and a 1985 World Series sweatshirt. They're both in the laundry today, so I had to go with the pennant shirt,” she said with a smile. “But you know we've just been so awesome, I have so many options. Go Royals!”
By the time we left Bartle Hall, it was impossible to choose one, best fan. It is safe to say the Royals have a widespread, dedicated base.
Pitchers and catchers report to Surprise, Arizona on February 13 for the beginning of spring training. The home opener at Kauffman Stadium is March 29, when the Royals play the White Sox.
