Royals Caravan continues with stops in Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri
Trips Include a Salute to Military Members at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley
KANSAS CITY, MO (January 16, 2013) – The annual Royals Caravan continues next week with stops in Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri.
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.
A new feature at Caravan stops in 2013 is a collection through a partnership with the USO chapters of Fort Riley and Missouri. Fans may donate washcloths, individually wrapped toothbrushes, beef jerky, drink packets and pudding cups, which will be distributed to military members serving overseas and returning from duty. Fans can also bring or make hand-written “Thank You” cards for troops at the Caravan stops. Royals Charities will donate $1 to the USO for every card received (up to $10,000).
One contingent will travel south with stops in Joplin, Springfield and Warrensburg, Mo., and Fort Scott, Kan. The Caravan will also take part in a Baseball Luncheon hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Springdale Rotary Club on Monday, January 21. Royals Chairman/Owner David Glass is scheduled to attend the event. A second Caravan will honor military members with visits to Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley, Kan., on January 22.
Pitchers Bruce Chen, Danny Duffy and Will Smith are scheduled to make the South Caravan trip along with Royals Hall of Famer Dennis Leonard and broadcaster Steve Physioc. Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett, pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery and broadcaster Rex Hudler are scheduled for the military salutes at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley.
The trips follow Royals FanFest, which will take place this Saturday, January 19, at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan. The marquee offseason event will feature more autograph opportunities than ever before, with continuous autograph sessions with current and former players and club personalities planned throughout the day. Additional highlights include select interactive games for kids and roundtable discussions with players and front office executives.
A tentative schedule of Caravan events for January 20-22 is listed below and also available at www.royals.com/caravan.
2013 Royals Caravan
Sunday, January 20 South Trip – Day #1
Participants: Bruce Chen, Danny Duffy, Will Smith, Dennis Leonard, Steve Physioc
Cities: Warrensburg and Springfield, Mo.
PR contact on trip: Ben Aken, cell: 913-488-2686
Events: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Meet & Greet at Fitters Pizza and Pub –
131 W. Pine St. in Warrensburg
Hosted by KOKO Radio
4:00-4:30 p.m.: Meet with Wounded Warriors from Fort Leonard Wood;
USO check presentation at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame 3861 E. Stan Musial Dr. in Springfield
** Private event. Members of the media are invited to attend. **
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Meet & Greet at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame –
3861 E. Stan Musial Dr. in Springfield
Hosted by KWTO Radio
Monday, January 21 South Trip – Day #2
Participants: Bruce Chen, Danny Duffy, Will Smith, Dennis Leonard, Steve Physioc
Cities: Springdale, Ark., Joplin, Mo., and Fort Scott, Kan.
PR contact on trip: Ben Aken, cell: 913-488-2686
Events: 11:30 a.m. – Baseball Luncheon at Holiday Inn -
1:30 p.m. 1500 S. 48th St. in Springdale
Hosted by NW Arkansas Naturals and Springdale Rotary Club
** For more information, contact the NW Arkansas Naturals at (479) 927-4900. **
3:00-4:00 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Vintage Stock (North Park Mall) –
101 N. Rangeline Rd. in Joplin
Hosted by Cable One and KKOW Radio
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Wal-Mart Supercenter –
2500 S. Main St. in Fort Scott
Hosted by KOMB and KMDO Radio
Tuesday, January 22 Royals Salute Members of the Military!
Participants: George Brett, Jeremy Guthrie, Jeff Montgomery, Rex Hudler
Locations: Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley, Kan.
PR contact on trip: Toby Cook, cell: 913-284-8629
Events: 11:15 a.m. - Visit to Fort Leavenworth
12:45 p.m. **Private event. Media wishing to cover the event should
contact Scott Gibson ([email protected])**
3:00-5:00 p.m. Visit to Fort Riley
** Private event. Media wishing to cover the event should
contact Jason Roberts ([email protected]). **
Please note that all participants are subject to change. For additional information, members of the media may contact the Royals Publicity Department at (816) 921-8000.