Royals interrupt regular morning White House media briefing, led by KC native and fan

The Royals’ biggest fan in the White House got a big surprise Thursday morning.

On the day President Barack Obama was to honor the 2015 World Series champions in Washington, manager Ned Yost and players Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez interrupted press secretary Josh Earnest’s regular morning media briefing.

“Excuse me,” Yost said, barging on stage before Earnest could take questions from reporters. “Look, we had a real fear that Josh would get in trouble by hijacking the president’s jersey. So we made a special one for him.”

After Yost gave Earnest, a Kansas City native and lifelong Royals fan, a personalized No. 15 jersey, Hosmer presented Earnest with a mug and Perez gave him a baseball.

Earnest was prepared for the special day by wearing KC socks, which he showed off before starting the briefing.

“Knowing of your intense interest in covering the visit of the World Series champion Kansas City Royals,” he began, “we thought we would get the briefing out of the way, so that then you could focus on what I’m sure is the big news story at the White House today.”

A few minutes later, in came Yost, Hosmer and Perez.

“This is a celebration worthy of a world championship,” Earnest said.

“Sorry we interrupted,” Yost said before he and the players left.

“You’re welcome any time,” Earnest replied.

Interview with White House press secretary and Royals fan Josh Earnest in West Wing office

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Highlights of the World Series champion Royals' visit to the White House

This story was originally published July 21, 2016 at 10:09 AM with the headline "Royals interrupt regular morning White House media briefing, led by KC native and fan."