The Royals have established the ACE 30 Memorial Fund in memory of pitcher Yordano Ventura, the club announced on Friday. The fund will support youth baseball projects in Ventura's native Dominican Republic.
Ventura, who was a beloved and engaged member of his hometown of Las Terrenas, was killed on Sunday in an automobile accident in the Dominican city of Juan Adrián. An emotional crowd of Royals teammates, executives and fans gathered for a vigil outside Kauffman Stadium that evening.

"Yordano maintained a strong connection to the Dominican Republic, and the community in his hometown of Las Terrenas," the Royals stated as part of their official announcement of ACE 30. "During the offseason, he returned to live in the area while working out at the Royals Dominican Academy located in Guerra, Santo Domingo. "Giving kids the opportunity to play baseball was always important to Yordano. He stayed connected to Liga Kelly, the local baseball program he grew up playing with in Las Terrenas. In addition, Yordano served as a co-chair of the Royals Baseball Equipment Drive, which provides baseball equipment and funds for young baseball and softball players in Kansas City."
Those who wish to contribute to the ACE 30 Memorial Fund can visit Royals.com/yordano, or send donations to:
Royals Charities
Attn: ACE 30 Memorial Fund
1 Royal Way
Kansas City, MO 64129.