Royals Caravan kicks off with stops in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska
Participants Billy Butler, Aaron Crow, Johnny Giavotella, Greg Holland, Eric Hosmer and Everett Teaford Team Up with Fans to Support Military Members
The annual Royals Caravan opens on January 17 and 18 with a pair of trips that will make stops in cities across Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
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).
Both Caravans will start with a visit to The University of Kansas Hospital on Thursday, January 17. One contingent will then trek west into Kansas, making stops in Auburn, Topeka, Manhattan, Salina, and Wichita. The second group will head north to Lincoln and Omaha, Neb., as well as St. Joseph, Mo.
Royals scheduled to appear during the first week include pitchers Aaron Crow, Greg Holland and Everett Teaford, designated hitter Billy Butler, first baseman Eric Hosmer and second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Royals Hall of Famers John Mayberry and Willie Wilson are also scheduled to participate along with broadcasters Joel Goldberg and Ryan Lefebvre.
Following the trips, the club will host Royals FanFest, presented by Sprint and Teva Neuroscience, on 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 schedule of Caravan events for January 17 and 18 is listed below and also available at www.royals.com/caravan. The Royals Caravan will continue on January 20-22 and an announcement with the schedule and participants will be released later this week.
2013 Royals Caravan
Thursday, January 17 West Trip – Day #1
Participants: Aaron Crow, Eric Hosmer, Everett Teaford, Willie Wilson, Ryan Lefebvre
Cities: Kansas City, Auburn, Topeka and Manhattan, Kan.
Events: 11:30 a.m. – Visit to The University of Kansas Hospital -
12:30 p.m. 3901 Rainbow Blvd. in Kansas City, Kan.
** Private event. Members of the media are invited to attend. **
2:00-3:00 p.m.: School visit at Auburn Elementary –
810 N. Commercial in Auburn
*This is the elementary school that Aaron Crow attended.
** Private event. Members of the media are invited to attend. **
3:30-4:30 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Skinny’s Sports Bar and Grill –
4016 Southwest Huntoon St. in Topeka
Hosted by WIBW Radio and Cox Communications
6:00-7:00 p.m. Meet & Greet at REDI Systems –
1601 Tuttle Creek Blvd. in Manhattan
Hosted by KMAN Radio and Cox Communications
Friday, January 18 West Trip – Day #2
Participants: Aaron Crow, Eric Hosmer, Everett Teaford, Willie Wilson, Ryan Lefebvre
Cities: Salina and Wichita, Kan.
Events: Noon-1:00 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Wal-Mart Supercenter –
2900 South 9th St. in Salina
Hosted by KSAL Radio
4:00-5:00 p.m. Meet & Greet at Kansas Sampler –
3053 N. Rock Rd. in Wichita
Hosted by Cox Communications
Thursday, January 17 North Trip – Day #1
Participants: Billy Butler, Johnny Giavotella, Greg Holland, John Mayberry, Joel Goldberg
Cities: Kansas City, Kan.; Lincoln and Omaha, Neb.
11:30 a.m. – Visit to The University of Kansas Hospital -
12:30 p.m. 3901 Rainbow Blvd. in Kansas City, Kan.
** Private event. Members of the media are invited to attend. **
4:00-5:00 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Scheels Sporting Goods –
2960 Pine Lake Rd. in Lincoln
Hosted by KNTK Radio and Time Warner Cable
6:30-7:30 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Ultimate Baseball Academy –
4225 S. 121st Plaza in Omaha
Hosted by the Omaha Storm Chasers
Friday, January 18 North Trip – Day #2
Participants: Billy Butler, Johnny Giavotella, Greg Holland, John Mayberry, Joel Goldberg
Cities: Omaha, Neb.; St. Joseph, Mo.
Events: 10:30-11:30 a.m.: School Visit to Black Elk Elementary School –
6708 S. 161st Ave. in Omaha
Hosted by the Omaha Storm Chasers
** Private event. Members of the media are invited to attend. **
4:00-5:00 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Hy-Vee –
201 N. Belt Hwy. in St. Joseph
Hosted by KFEQ Radio