Five things to know about Royals pitcher Danny Duffy

Left-handed pitcher Danny Duffy joined the Kansas City Royals organization in 2007 after being drafted in the third round out of Cabrillo High School in Lompoc, Calif.

Here are five things to know:

1. Growing up on the farm for KC

The Royals selected Duffy in the third round of the 2007 draft out of Cabrillo High School in Lompoc, Calif. The left-hander made his MLB debut four years later vs. Texas (4 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 SO, 6 BB) on May 18, 2011.

2. ‘Bury me a Royal’ not just a slogan

The Royals and KC are family to Duffy, who’s been active in the community since joining the big-league club in 2011. He has been involved with charitable causes such as the KC Pet Project and Noah’s Bandage Project.

3. Showing some California love

Even though Duffy lives in KC year-round, he hasn’t forgotten his California roots. The Lakers are still his favorite NBA team — and Brandon Ingram is his favorite player now that Kobe Bryant is retired.

4. How about a bear in a Duffy suit?

After the Royals clinched the AL Central crown in 2015, Duffy celebrated by wearing a bear suit. When Fox Sports KC’s Joel Goldberg asked him what he was wearing, Duffy replied simply, “A bear suit, wearing a bear suit, Joel.”

5. Celebrating his sweet 16 in Tampa

Duffy had a breakout season for the Royals in 2016, but his moment on the national stage came on Aug. 1 at Tampa Bay. The lefty struck out 16 batters in eight innings and allowed just one walk and one hit in a 3-0 victory.

View Danny Duffy’s career stats and read all of our Royals “Five things to know” posts.

This story was originally published May 17, 2017 at 8:20 PM.