SURPRISE, Ariz. -- It is being called the "Longest Opening Day First Pitch" in history.
The "pitch" will string together 2,500 people, including George Brett and Royals general manager Dayton Moore, to toss the Opening Day pitch in a 10-mile journey stretching from Union Station in Kansas City all the way to Kauffman Stadium. Union Station was the site of the Royals' world championship parade celebration.
The event, prior to the Royals' opener against the Mets on April 3, is designed to raise funds for the Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy.
Spots on the relay route, spaced approximately 20 feet apart, are available for a minimum donation of $30 and can be reserved and purchased online at www.relaytheway.com. Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and proceeds will support the Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy, which will break ground at Parade Park near Kansas City's 18th & Vine Jazz District later this year.
"The Kansas City Royals are honored to play for the best fans in all of baseball, and we look forward to bringing the community together to support the Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy and the revival of inner city communities," Moore said. "'Relay the Way' is an opportunity for the people of Kansas City to take to the streets in support of programs that will ensure our status as the best baseball town in America for many years to come."
Earlier on Wednesday, catcher Salvador Perez confirmed he was donating $1 million to the Youth Academy. Alex Gordon and Chris Young also have given undisclosed amounts.