greater

KC DAY

May 13, Opening Day, was also known as Greater KC Day as Kansas City legends such as Warren Moon arrived at Legends Field to reign in the new season with the 2021 American Association Champions.

Everyone was ready to see the hottest team in

Kansas City kick off the summer and start the

Monarchs second season.

By: Kaitlyn Sanders

RING

CEREMONY

The ring ceremony kicked off the 2022 season as returning Monarchs got a glimpse at their new 2021 Championship hardware. Smiling

faces were seen all around from our leaders in the front office to the players on the field.

Manager, Joe Calfapietra, was giving out hugs while owner, Mark Brandmeyer, and General Manager, Jay Hinrichs, were giving out rings to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President, Bob Kendrick, all the way down to retired

Monarch, left fielder, Colin Willis.

By: Kaitlyn Sanders

KC SPORTS COMMISSION

COACH OF THE YEAR

JOE CALFAPIETRA

Each year, the Kansas City Sports Commission and

Foundation recognize outstanding individuals for their commitment and achievement in sports. In the 49th

annual Kansas City Sports Awards, Joe Calfapietra,

manager of the Kansas City Monarchs, was awarded

the Burns & McDonnell Coach of the Year.

In 2018 Calfapietra was named the American Association Manager of the year after leading Kansas City to a 62-37 record and a playoff berth as the second-place finishers in the south division. He led the team to their first title as members of the American Association and the third in franchise history.

“We are so proud of what Joe has accomplished. Our

entire organization shares in this excitement. Joe’s

passion and leadership is part of what makes the

Monarchs special in Kansas City,” said Monarchs Owner Mark Brandmeyer.

Kansas City, KS – Kansas City Monarchs General

Manager Jay Hinrichs and Team Manager Joe

Calfapietra have done a tremendous job of piecing together an extremely talented, competitive, and successful group of players for this season’s Monarchs team. The roster is composed of 26 players, four of whom all have something very special in common.

Willie Abreu, J.C. Escarra, David Thompson and Darnell Sweeney were all born and raised in Florida, the beautiful sunshine state. Each one of their baseball careers has taken them in many different directions over the years, but now their paths have all crossed here in Kansas City. For a few of the guys, this won’t be their first time sharing the same uniform.

By: Jaxson Webb

The Savannah Bananas World Tour came to beautiful Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas on May 6th and 7th. The world famous Bananas took on our very own Kansas City Monarchs in front of two sellout crowds for the 2022 Challenger Series. The matchup was perfect as the reigning champions of the Coastal Plains League faced the champions of the American Association.

The Savannah Bananas have brought a new face and style to the game of baseball with their hilarious antics. The Bananas play by their own set of baseball regulations known as “Banana Ball Rules”.

The rules were created to help speed up the game, but most importantly, they were set to provide an unforgettable experience for the fans. Some of the rules include a two hour time limit, no walks, no bunting, and a fan favorite: if a fan catches a foul ball then the batter is declared out.

The two-game series left over 14,000 fans in awe of what they were able to witness on what was the final stop on the Bananas 2022 World Tour. The weekend was filled with TikToK dances, singing, fireworks, and of course a whole bunch of bananas.

The Kansas City Monarchs had to adjust their style of play to keep up with the new rules against their competitor, but the team had just as much fun entertaining the fans as they did playing against the Bananas. The Monarch

The two teams had an unforgettable experience playing in front of so many amazing and supportive fans,

making Legends Field, and Kansas City the best spot to end the Bananas World Tour.

By Jaxson Webb

MONARCHS in the community

On June 8th the Kansas City Monarchs and Variety Kansas City unveiled their brand new all-inclusive children’s playground built to accommodate all kids with extra focus towards kids who have special needs and disabilities. The playing surface has shaded areas, hands-on playing toys, musical instruments, shaded coverings, ramps for wheelchair

access, slides, and an in-ground merry go round.

Olivia Bloomfield was the inspiration behind the playground and passed away July 5th. To help carry on Olivia’s legacy, please visit

oliviabloomfieldfoundation.org

NLBM

HAPPENINGS

Buck O’ Neil Induction

Buck O’Neil got his long-awaited Hall of Fame

recognition 15 years after his death. Tears of joy flowed at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) after National Baseball Hall of Fame President, Josh Rawitch, announced that John “Buck” O’Neil had been voted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Rawitch made the announcement during a nationally televised selection show on the MLB Network on Sunday, Dec. 5 triggering a chain reaction of elation and tears from the more than 300 people in attendance to watch the results of the announcement.

Buck O’Neil is credited with signing future Hall of Fame players Ernie Banks, Lou Brock and Lee Smith. O’Neil would be named Major League Baseball’s first African American Coach with the Cubs in 1962 and rose to national stardom for his compelling role in filmmaker Ken Burn’s epic documentary, “Baseball.” O’Neil and the late, Horace Peterson, would establish the NLBM in 1990 where O’Neil served as Board Chairman for 16 years. He was named on 13 of 16 ballots (81.3%) from the Early Baseball Era Committee that the Hall of Fame assembled. He needed 12 votes (75%) to gain induction.

Buck O’Neil Day

May 22nd at Legends Field was all about Monarchs legend, Buck O’Neil! Hot dogs and soft drinks were a buck and the first 1,000 fans received a replica Buck O’ Neil painting. Negro Leagues

Baseball Museum president, Bob Kendrick, had an on-field pregame chat with Kevin Holmes of 41

Action News. They talked about Buck O’ Neil’s

legacy and his importance not only to the

Monarchs organization but to baseball as a whole.

Buck started his Negro Leagues career in 1937 as a first baseman for the Memphis Red Sox of the Negro American League. During his later years with the Kansas City Monarchs, O’ Neil doubled as a player and manager to help lead his team to two pennants.

Buck O’Neil passed away in 2006 at the age of 94 and spent 70 years of his life in professional baseball. The last 16 years of his career were spent as chairman of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum that he co-founded.

By: Gabriel Lopez

monarchs

STEAL THE SHOW

Monarchs’ Stars Shine In Windy City

The Kansas City Monarchs were well represented in Chicago for the American Association All-Star game and its festivities on July 11th and 12th. The Monarchs sent a league leading nine total All-Stars, including three All-Star starters. Darnell Sweeney, Jan Hernandez, and David Thompson all started in Chicago for the west division. Pitchers Matt Hartman, Jameson McGrane, and Jordan Martinson joined for the jaunt to Chicago after their strong first half of the season on the mound. Gaby Guerrero and Alexis Olmeda were selected as All-Star reserves before Monarchs’ faithful delivered Kansas City its ninth All-Star in the “Last Man In” vote. Matt “Big City” Adams was voted by the fans and players to represent the west division in the final reserve spot.

The Monarchs stars shined bright across the board in Chicago. David Thompson set the tone early in the All-Star break by capturing the home run derby title on Monday July 11th. Thompson capped off his excellent performance with 24 home runs in the final round. During the All-Star game, Jan Hernandez and Jameson McGrane played prominent roles in securing the win for the west division. Hernandez started off the game with a deep home run to right field and followed it up later with a double. He flashed his defensive talent with a diving grab in the outfield to shut down any momentum for the east. Jameson McGrane earned the win and slammed the door on the east division with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

By: Caleb Grizzle

FOOD & DRINK

spotlight

A fresh Roma Bakery roll chock-full of flat iron grilled chicken/pepper/onion mix with melted pepper jack cheese and drizzled with R.J. Iguana’s Everyday Hot Sauce. The Jacked Up Chicken Philly can only be purchased at the Barnstormers Grill located behind seating section 107 on the main concourse.

We’ve eliminated the selection process by piling up all of our house made BBQ meats and sides on one sandwich. Enjoy a stack of pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked sausage topped with onion rings and cheesy mac. This knife & fork sandwich is the creation of Chef Bradley Gilmore owner of Lula’s Restaurant and Kravin-It Catering company is only available at the BBQ Project concession stand located behind seating section 101.

Bombora Vodka is an Australian brand of vodka distilled 10 times from red and white grapes harvested in the Barossa Valley. We mix with strawberry flavored lemonade for a refreshing summer drink. The Bombora Twisted Lemonade signature cocktail is available at both our Home Plate and Legends Club bars.

Bradly Gilmore, with his vast knowledge and

diverse skill set in the culinary and hospitality sector, is the Executive Chef for your Kansas City Monarchs! In addition to his commitment to

providing exceptional menu offerings at Legends Field, Chef Bradley is also the owner of a premier restaurant & catering business located in the

Kansas City metro. Lula Southern Cookhouse features delectable, made-from-scratch southern classics just like granny used to make. Kravin’ It KC Kitchen offers an unforgettable and customized catering experience combined with homegrown hospitality that is second to none! Don’t forget to check out all of the exciting and unique menu offerings available at Legends Field as well as Lula Southern Cookhouse and Kravin’ It KC Kitchen!

The Kansas City Monarchs are proud to partner with the Golden Scoop, a life-changing non-profit ice cream, and coffee shop. The Golden Scoop brings meaningful employment to talented individuals with developmental disabilities.

Established in 2018, the Golden Scoop provides a

community where people with special needs are set up for success and everyone’s gifts are valued and

appreciated.

Make sure to visit The Golden Scoop kiosk out at

Legends Field every Friday this summer. And don’t forget to try their brand new Monarchs flavor!

brewery

spotlight

Outfield strives to merge baseball and their farming background with every beer they create. Outfield sources all of their products locally when available. Their rotating tap lineup seeks to pay homage to America’s greatest pastime and their Midwest roots.

Try Outfield Brewery today at Legends Field, or visit them out at 10953 Kaw Drive, Edwardsville, KS.

Crane Brewing Company is an American brewery inspired equally by both the bold craft beers of home and the rustic ales of Europe. They hope to fulfill the desire of the local metro for these exotic beers, and they hope beer lovers from near and far join them in Raytown, MO for a taste. Give your taste buds a treat with some Crane Brewing beer at Legends Field.

Fields & Ivy is a farm-to-table brewery located in Lawrence, KS. With grains grown locally by Great Plains Custom Grain, enjoy a custom-malted beverage for a uniquely Kansan drinking experience. Their 3,750 square-foot taproom and restaurant serves up delicious pizza, appetizers, sandwiches, and garden-fresh salads. Make sure to go and taste some Fields & Ivy brew at the Beer Park at Legends Field, located behind first base.

Get your caffeine fix at Legends Field this with the

Monarchs’ new partner The Roasterie! The Kansas City Monarchs are thrilled to release an exclusive Monarchs

Coffee blend. The Trail Blazer Blend is a balanced,

medium-bodied coffee with notes of stone fruit and apple,

followed by a rich and smoky finish. A portion of the proceeds from

the purchase of each bag of coffee will go to the Negro League

Baseball Museum.

You can also be on the lookout for three themed cocktails throughout the season!

THANK YOU GROUPS

BOOK YOUR NEXT OUTING WITH US!

Crossroads Hospice

Lithko Manufacturing

Yellow Freight

Labconco

Transamerica and T. Rowe Price

Kiewit

Intrepid Direct Insurance

Shick Esteve

KSOA

Lineage Logistics

Advisors Excel

Steve Rosson’s Group

BNSF

Costco Employee’s Club

L&W Supply

Cerner

Shawnee – Erfurt Fire Fighters Exchange

Heartland Primary Care

Mr. Electric

Jim Hanna – Ameriprise Financial

Aria Care Partners

KC Dirt Dogs

Brian Welsh’s Birthday Celebration

Smart Pro

Gigstad Family

Lockton Affinity

Milbank Manufacturing

Kiewit

Kincaid Group – DS Bus

T-Mobile

David Riedley’s Group

The Ninjas

Tiffany Shepherd’s Group

NREIG

KU Gear Up

KU Astronomy and Physics

A.L. Huber

GOOD TIMES at the PARK!

LEGENDS CLUB

Located at the club level down the third base line and offering an unmatched view of the action, our Legends Club Level offers our All-You-Can-Eat Buffet, unlimited beer and wine plus cash bar option.Fresh-popped popcorn, and a private bar in the new Legends Club.

SUITES

A remodeled look with the same great experience. Each suite has an outdoor patio lounge with a private VIP entrance. Three suite sizes are available to accommodate 20, 30, or 40+ guests plus a private hospitality attendant for each suite. Available to book for full, half, and quarter seasons, plus single games (subject to availability).

CONCOURSE LoungeS

Located on left or right field Plaza Level, these party couches are a wonderful way to enjoy the game. Alcohol table service is included and this area seats up to 6 guests.

CONCOURSE HIGH-TOP TABLES

Located throughout the Plaza Level, these high-top tables seat 4 and give you great views of all the action. Only 10 are available so get your reservation in quick! Alcohol table service is included so you’ll never miss a play!

THE Backyard

The Backyard has it all! A pre-game All You Can Eat Buffet, a great social space for your group to eat and mingle, a seat to the game, and an overall fun atmosphere! Includes large party tents shaded seating for multiple groups along with additional outdoor seating & outdoor games.

Bombora Lounge

Party in the Bombora Lounge! Located on the Plaza Level behind home plate, this outdoor space has high-top tables, chairs, and lounges, plus additional group seating in a roof-shaded area. Seats up to 30 total guests. Alcohol table service is included so you’ll never miss any of the action!

Home Run Patio

The Home Run Patio is a designated group area located right above the left field wall and seats up to 150 people. It features high-top tables and chairs with plenty of space for your group and it includes an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet. This area is a lot of fun, offers a great view of the action, and make sure you’re on the lookout for some home run balls!

COORS LIGHT PARTY PORCH

The Coors Light Party Porch is located behind section 116 right inside of Gate B and seats up to 72 guests. The space features high-top tables and chairs plus picnic tables offering a great social space for your group. All-You-Can-Eat Buffet is included in this area and it’s the perfect spot to catch a foul ball with a great view of the ballpark.

Season tickets on sale NOW at monarchsbaseball.com or call (913)-328-5618