Royals paying tribute to Negro Leagues
KANSAS CITY -- Sunday's Royals-Yankees game at Kauffman Stadium will bring out the best in fashion on and off the field.
The Royals and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum will team up for special "Salute to the Negro Leagues," which will feature the annual "Dressed to the Nines Day at The K," when fans are encouraged to put on their Sunday best, as was the custom for fans attending Negro Leagues baseball games.
The first 10,000 fans will receive a free Monarchs Newsboy cap.
The Royals themselves also will don Kansas City Monarchs uniforms inspired by the 1953 Monarchs and the late Ernie Banks, the man they called "Mr. Cub" and the man who was a standout shortstop for the Monarchs in '53.
The game-worn uniforms then will be auctioned at www.royals.com with proceeds benefiting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
We're bringing back old time organ music for Sunday's Salute to the Negro Leagues! #DressedtotheNines pic.twitter.com/AEaxbAelxg
- Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 15, 2015The day also includes a Sunday Jazz Brunch and the "baseball sermon" to be delivered by Rev. Emanuel Cleaver, who is also a U.S. Congressman, that will take place in the Royals' Hall of Fame pavilion tent near Gate A beginning at 10 a.m. CT. Cleaver played a vital role in the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum being located at historic 18th and Vine in Kansas City while serving as mayor of Kansas City. Cleaver also delivered the eulogies for Negro League legends Buck O'Neil (2006) and Satchel Paige (1982).
"We've turned baseball, albeit for one game, into a social event again," said Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick. "I'm biased, but I truly believe our celebration is the biggest and best Negro Leagues salute in all of Major League Baseball."