Royals players excited to attend '42' screening

KANSAS CITY -- Several Royals players plan to attend the advance screening of the Jackie Robinson movie "42" on Thursday night at the BarryWoods 24 theater in Kansas City.

The movie's stars, Harrison Ford and Chadwick Boseman, are expected at the event, which will include a red carpet reception and a panel discussion with sports writer Joe Posnanski and David Robinson, son of Jackie.

"This will be my first red carpet," said Royals pitcher Bruce Chen, who was debating over what to wear.

"No jeans," he was told. "I may go suit and no tie."

Chen has heard positive reports about the baseball drama about Robinson breaking baseball's color line.

"It's very inspirational," Chen said. "The guy had to be so good and prepared to put up with a lot of stuff. He knew that if he messed up, it could actually postpone the time that other players could come."

Outfielder Jarrod Dyson pondered some grooming.

"I've got to get a haircut at some point," Dyson said.

Dyson was eager to see the story of the Brooklyn Dodgers' pioneer.

"I just know that guy went through a lot for us guys today in this game of baseball," Dyson said. "I appreciate everything he had to go through. He made it a lot easier for all of us African-Americans in baseball."

Other Royals on the guest list include Billy Butler, Lorenzo Cain, Jeremy Guthrie, Eric Hosmer, George Kottaras, Luis Mendoza and Mike Moustakas.

The event benefits the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City and the Kansas City Sports Commission. Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs before being signed by the Dodgers.