Royals newcomer is adjusting to life at Kauffman Stadium. This advice may help
Jonathan India grabbed his reflective Oakley sunglasses before he headed out for the Kansas City Royals’ pregame warmup at Kauffman Stadium.
India knew he needed the sunglasses for the task ahead.
On Saturday, India made his first start in left field against the Cleveland Guardians. It’s a new position for the veteran infielder. This spring, the Royals decided to train India and second baseman Michael Massey in the outfield.
India got a small taste in Thursday’s opening day loss to the Guardians. And he took some mental notes.
“It was definitely pretty cool to see how loud the crowd was,” India said. “Different environment than what I’m used to. Just a different stadium. Cincy was more like a stadium bowl. This is more up and behind you. It’s different, but I enjoyed it.”
India was introduced to Kauffman Stadium in more ways than one. In the first inning Thursday, he scorched a fly ball to left field. The baseball traveled 368 feet but landed in Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan’s glove.
The fly ball would’ve been a home run in 11 MLB stadiums, including Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Later, India had another line drive that was devoured by Kauffman Stadium’s dimensions.
He finished 0-for-5 in the game. India rebounded to go 2-for-3 with a walk and run in Saturday’s win.
“I didn’t get a hit, but it’s part of baseball,” India said before Saturday’s game. “I hit some balls that I thought were going to go, but they don’t go here. You know, I’m not used to that. But it was fun and I enjoyed every moment of it.”
India has found success at Kauffman Stadium as a visitor. He entered Saturday’s game with a .348 batting average, one homer and seven RBIs in six games.
Still, he felt a slight adjustment was needed.
“It kind of gets to you a little bit mentally,” India said. “It kind of messes with your mind, but I settled in and it was just like: Have a good at-bat. They pitched me well all game and some calls didn’t go my way either. It’s baseball.”
While India was seeking his first hit Saturday, he also prepared to handle Kauffman Stadium’s complex outfield.
This spring, India shagged fly balls in batting practice and worked long hours with the fielding machines in Surprise, Arizona. There is still a learning curve when it comes to defensive positioning, like establishing a first step and tracking the baseball.
For that, India received some sage advice from his teammates and coaching staff.
“It’s a big park,” India said. “They told me, when in doubt, turn around and run hard. You never know, the ball could go over your head. I just don’t put too much pressure on myself out there and just try to enjoy it.”
The Royals are excited to have India in the fold. He was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds for Brady Singer this offseason.
India has already made a strong first impression.
He recorded a .475 on-base percentage in 19 Cactus League games. The Royals believe India can grant more run-scoring opportunities for Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez in the lineup.
“Jonathan India, at the top of the order, I think is going to be a difference maker,” Royals owner John Sherman said. “I think our fans are going to love the way this guy plays. He is a competitor. He is a gamer. He wants to win.”
India will play multiple positions this season. He started at third base on opening day and will get some time at second base. The Royals will configure their outfield rotation to give him time in left field, too.
India received his first big outfield test on Saturday.
“We will see how it goes,” India said pregame. “I don’t know. You never know until it happens.”
This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 3:56 PM.
