Royals notebook: Buck inspired by memories of the ‘Mailman’
By DAVID BOYCE
The Kansas City Star
As a young athlete growing up in Salt Lake City, catcher John Buck never got to hear a major-league baseball player talk at a clinic. But he once attended a clinic by former NBA great Karl Malone, known as “The Mailman.”
“I remember how much of an impression that made on me when Karl Malone showed up and I was fortunate enough that he called me out of the audience to help demonstrate,” Buck said.
“It made an impression on me on some of the things he said. As a kid you always say if I become somebody I’m going to do it if I get the opportunity because I know how much it meant to me.”
True to his words, Buck was one of four Royals who spoke to more than 1,000 children Sunday morning at Kauffman Stadium in the first “Youth League Day.”
The hourlong program started with former Royals Frank White talking about defense, followed by rookie pitcher Luke Hochevar and concluding with Buck and Mark Teahen.
The Royals sold 3,000 tickets to youth groups throughout the Kansas City area for the event.
It’s an event, said Scott Wadsworth, director of group sales, the Royals want to grow to be as big as “School Day at the K,” which now draws more than 25,000 children in mid-May to learn about the weather and watch a Royals game.
Relaxing in the Ozarks
Instead of returning home to the hectic pace of New York City, rookie shortstop Mike Aviles is going to relax for three days with his girlfriend at the Lake of the Ozarks.
“Basically, I’m going to relax and just get away and forget about everything for a little while,” Aviles said. “I’m going to catch some sun and sit by the lake.”
Aviles has never been to the Ozarks before.
“I heard it’s pretty cool,” he said. “You can jet ski. If I went back to New York, there would be more travel instead of a three-hour car ride.”
The players must be back in Kansas City on Thursday for a 4 p.m. workout. After the practice, the team will immediately leave for Chicago for a three-game series against the White Sox.
“I will extend a courtesy to three or four players to meet us in Chicago,” Royals manager Trey Hillman said.
Rotation after break
The starting rotation for the Royals to begin the second half of the season will be Zack Greinke pitching on Friday, followed by Gil Meche on Saturday and Brian Bannister on Sunday.
Hillman smiled about starting Bannister on Sunday because it’s a day game.
For much of his career, Bannister has tended to pitch better during the day. Plus, it always seems he starts Sunday afternoon games.
Luke Hochevar will start July 21 at Kauffman Stadium against Detroit followed by Kyle Davies.
Battling back
The way the Royals battled back in the ninth inning to beat Seattle on Saturday evening is one reason why Kansas City’s longest losing streak since dropping 12 in a row on May 30 is three games.
Hillman said the players have more confidence that they can come up with the big hit.
“There’s less tension and less tension always goes to less pressing and let the natural abilities come to the forefront rather than trying to make something happen instead of allowing it to happen.”
Charitable fans
Volunteers for the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Heart to Heart International collected cash donations before each of the games against Seattle for severe storm relief and collected more than $3,000.
The Royals also donated $5 per ticket sold in the view level infield for Friday and Saturday nights for storm relief.
Bale rehab
Reliever John Bale will begin his rehab assignment Tuesday with Class AA Northwest Arkansas. Bale has missed the last 81 games because of left shoulder fatigue and a broken left hand.
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