KC supporting youth baseball with equipment drive

KANSAS CITY -- Fans will have a chance to support youth baseball and softball by contributing to the annual Royals Baseball Equipment Drive at Tuesday night's game against the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium.

Pitchers Kelvin Herrera and Yordano Ventura are the player ambassadors for the project, teaming with the Baseball Tomorrow Fund for the collection of new and used equipment. This year's drive will benefit the Cristo Rey Kansas City baseball program.

Volunteers will be near the Diamond Club from 6 to 7:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday to collect equipment or cash donations.

Fans will receive an autographed baseball for a $40 donation or an autographed photo card for a $10 donation.

Herrera and Ventura will present a check for $5,000, a Baseball Tomorrow Fund grant, to Cristo Rey KC for the purchase of new equipment during a pregame ceremony on Monday.

This is the 10th season that BTF has joined with Major League clubs on equipment drives. Last year, Royals fans contributed more than 600 pieces of equipment and $2,680 in cash.