Kansas City Monarchs record another series sweep, send fifth player to All-Star Game
Brian O’Grady is feeling like himself. That’s bad news for the rest of American Association.
The former big-leaguer hit three home runs Saturday night, helping the Kansas City Monarchs to their latest sweep.
The Monarchs won three of three at Fargo-Moorhead over the weekend to extend their lead in the American Association West to a season-high six games.
O’Grady’s three-homer night came in a thrilling 10-9 victory. He might have heard that his third homer was out before he saw it.
“I heard the catcher was like, ‘No way,’ or something like that as I hit it,” O’Grady said with a laugh, “so I was like, ‘Oh, I guess I did it.’”
O’Grady has made 31 big-league appearances, most recently with the San Diego Padres in 2021. He spent 2022 with the Saitama Seibu Lions in Japan’s top league and started 2023 with the Korea Baseball Organization’s Hanwha Eagles.
Being thousands of miles away from his family wasn’t easy for O’Grady, and he got off to a slow start in the KBO, batting .125 in 22 games. With the Monarchs he’s already blasted 5 home runs and driven in 15 despite being signed less than two weeks ago.
“I know I’m not going to hit three home runs every game, but just to feel better and feel like my old self, it’s all I wanted really, and I’m just really happy and having fun,” O’Grady said.
LAST MAN IN
One more Kansas City Monarch is heading to the All-Star Game. Catcher and infielder Gavin Collins won a fan vote for the last spot on the American Association’s West Division team.
“It definitely makes coming to the park even more enjoyable,” Collins said during the league’s announcement. “We have a great fan base, and it makes perfect sense that they were able to come through in the clutch and get the votes in.”
Five Monarchs are now heading to the All-Star Game, including pitchers Jalen Miller and Trey Jeans, catcher Chris Herrmann and second baseman Justin Wylie.
The game is set for July 18, 2023 at 6:35 p.m. from Franklin Field, home of the Milwaukee Milkmen.
UP NEXT
The Monarchs look to keep their hot streak rolling this week. They play a four-game series against the Sioux Falls Canaries Monday through Thursday.
Their next home games are Friday, Saturday and Sunday against the Gary SouthShore RailCats. Saturday is KU Night at Legends Field. Monarchs fans can find tickets at tickets.monarchsbaseball.com.
This story was originally published July 10, 2023 at 12:22 PM.