Royals want players to enjoy work with kids

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Royals, like most teams, have rules and guidelines for allowing the children of players into their clubhouse.
The issue has surfaced with the sudden retirement of Adam LaRoche, who left the White Sox in a dispute over how often he brought his 14-year-old son into the clubhouse.
It is not uncommon to see the children of Royals' players in the clubhouse, here in Spring Training and during the regular season.
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"We have rules for our kids," manager Ned Yost said. "It's kind of a fine line because this is a special time for guys playing in the big leagues. And if you have kids, you want them to enjoy the experience with you.

"We generally set standards that kids can be in the clubhouse up until [batting practice]. Major League Baseball mandates that kids are not allowed on the field. We allow kids in the clubhouse until BP because that's when we need to get focused. And then they are allowed in after the game so they can enjoy being with their dad.
"We try to give them flexibility, because it is hard -- as a baseball player, you miss a lot with your kids. We want to try to give them as much opportunity as we can. But we all have business to attend to as well."
Yost also said his players generally do not abuse the privilege of having their children allowed in the clubhouse.
"It's important that these kids get to experience this," Yost said. "That way when they grow up, they have memories of their dad being in the big leagues. Just so long as it doesn't interfere with what you're trying to do."