KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman released a statement Wednesday about the return of Major League Baseball following a shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organization announced Tuesday that players had agreed to play a 60-game season at their home ballparks starting at the end of July. It took a long time for the players and organization to come to the agreement with concerns surrounding the virus.
Sherman said he is excited for the team to be back in action, but the health and safety of players and fans will be the first priority.
"I am happy for our players, coaches, scouts, front office associates and all of us who are getting back to the game we love. As we do so, our first and highest priority will be the health and safety of everyone who loves Royals baseball," he said in the statement.
The Royals organization released a video about the return of baseball Tuesday night after the announcement was made, saying the community has remained strong throughout the delay.
"We look forward to returning to Kauffman Stadium to compete on behalf of our community and the great fans of the Kansas City Royals. I can’t wait for Opening Day, as we welcome back the healing and unifying power of sports," Sherman said in his statement. "Let’s play baseball."