Royals hand out 15,000 ‘Los Reales’ shirts, unveil plans to wear similar uniforms July 25

Salvador Perez was asked how he felt about having a Latin America Night at Kauffman Stadium in July, complete with the home team wearing jerseys with a script saying “Los Reales” — Spanish for “the Royals.”

“Good brother, good,” Perez said. “Oh, I have to speak in Spanish.”

He then went on to do just that, with catchers coach Pedro Grifol translating.

“I’m happy we’re having a Latin night for all the fans,” Perez said through Grifol.

Perez was modeling the “Los Reales” jersey that the team will wear on July 25, a Saturday night game against the Astros. It’s also Yordano Ventura bobblehead night.

For Tuesday’s game against the Indians, on Cinco de Mayo, the Royals handed out 15,000 free “Los Reales” T-shirts.

The Royals are one of several teams to hold a Hispanic jersey night this season — among them, the Reds (“Los Rojos”) and Diamondbacks (“Los Dbacks”).

On the Royals’ roster, 15 players were born in Latin American countries.

“We’re celebrating Latin America heritage,” said Mike Bucek, the club’s vice president over marketing and business development. “We’ve done an annual program, with our ‘Viva Los Royals’ days, but with the success the team is having on the field, it’s important expand our fan base and extend our reach.”

This story was originally published May 5, 2015 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Royals hand out 15,000 ‘Los Reales’ shirts, unveil plans to wear similar uniforms July 25."