Royals begin Caravan with Local Autograph Event January 11

KANSAS CITY, MO (January 9, 2012) – The annual Royals Caravan presented by FOX Sports Kansas City opens with a free autograph event for fans in the Kansas City area on Wednesday, January 11.  Several Royals will appear at the Rally House: Independence Superstore from 6-8 p.m. to launch the club’s winter tradition.

Beginning in 1968, the Royals have embarked on the annual Royals Caravan to visit fans throughout the Midwest.  This January, several current and former Royals players, broadcasters and front office personnel will join Royals mascot Sluggerrr for Caravan events. 

In addition to the Rally House event, the first week of Royals Caravan will also feature public stops in Lincoln and Omaha, Neb., as well as private visits to veterans at VA Hospital in Kansas City and troops stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base.

Royals scheduled to appear during the first week include pitcher Bruce Chen, second baseman Johnny Giavotella, first baseman Eric Hosmer and outfielders Lorenzo Cain, Alex Gordon and Mitch Maier.  In addition, Hall of Famer George Brett, Royals Hall of Famer Dennis Leonard, former third baseman Joe Randa and broadcasters Denny Matthews and Ryan Lefebvre are also scheduled to participate.

A tentative schedule of Caravan events for Wednesday, January 11-Friday, January 13 is listed below and also available at www.royals.com/caravan.

2012 Royals Caravan presented by FOX Sports Kansas City

Wednesday, January 11     Autograph Event at Rally House: Independence Center 

Participants:      Lorenzo Cain, Bruce Chen, Johnny Giavotella, Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer and Mitch Maier

Event:               Rally House: Independence Superstore – 18701 E. 39th St. in Independence, Mo.  (located in front of the Independence Mall)

Thursday, January 12   North Caravan Trip – Day #1  

Participants:      Johnny Giavotella, Alex Gordon, Mitch Maier, Ryan Lefebvre

Cities:               St. Joseph, Mo., Lincoln and Omaha, Neb.

Events:             11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.       KFEQ Radio Luncheon at Fairview Golf Course –

                          33^rd & Pacific St. in St. Joseph (Hosted by KFEQ)

3:15-5:15 p.m.:    Meet & Greet at Dino’s Eastside Grill –  2901 S. 84th St. in  

Lincoln (Hosted by The Ticket 93.7 FM Sports Radio)

6:30-8 p.m.:          Meet & Greet at The Salvation Army Kroc Center –

                           2825 Y St. in Omaha (Hosted by Omaha Storm Chasers)

Thursday, January 12                     Kansas City Caravan Stops

Participants:      Lorenzo Cain, Bruce Chen

Cities:               Kansas City, Mo.

Events:             10:30-11:30 a.m.    Visit to Operation Breakthrough –

                          3039 Troost Ave. in Kansas City, Mo.

                         2-3 p.m.  Visit to Gordon Parks Elementary – 
                        3715 Wyoming in Kansas City, Mo.

                         3:30-4:30 p.m.     Visit to Pediatric Unit at The University of Kansas Hospital

Friday, January 13                            North Caravan Trip – Day #2

Participants:      Johnny Giavotella, Alex Gordon, Mitch Maier, Ryan Lefebvre

Cities:               Omaha, Neb.

Events:             11:30 a.m.:  Visit to Omaha Children’s Hospital –

                        8200 Dodge St. in Omaha

Friday, January 13                            Caravan Military Day

Participants:      George Brett, Lorenzo Cain, Bruce Chen, Dennis Leonard, Joe Randa

Cities:               Kansas City, Mo. and Whiteman Air Force Base

Events:             11 a.m.-noon:      Kansas City VA Medical Center –

                         4801 Linwood Blvd. in Kansas City, MO

                         1:30-3 p.m.           Whiteman Air Force Base

Please note that all participants are subject to change.