For Pete's Sake

KC Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino will honor Wayside Waifs during game this weekend

Kansas City Royals designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino (9) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field on May 30, 2024.
Kansas City Royals designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino (9) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field on May 30, 2024. USA TODAY Sports

The Royals are selling a specialty sandwich at Kauffman Stadium that was inspired by first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, and he even helped decide what should be go on “Vinnie’s Italian Beef Pasqwich.”

While on the Chris Rose Rotation podcast, Pasquantino said money from each sandwich is going to Wayside Waifs.

“Some of the proceeds, I‘m not sure what the exact percentages are, but some of the proceeds are, to my knowledge, going to Wayside Waifs, which is an animal shelter in Kansas City that I’ve worked with before,” Pasquantino said.

That won’t be the only way Pasquantino helps Wayside Waifs.

The Royals play the Reds this weekend in Cincinnati and it’s Major League Baseball’s annual Players Weekend. Pasquantino will have a special bat for at least one of the games, and it will pay tribute to Wayside Waifs.

“For Players Weekend, I’m using a bat that has their logo on it, which will be cool,” he said. “I think on Saturday of Players Weekend I’m doing that.”

Keep an eye out for that bat Saturday if you watch the Royals-Reds game.

According to the league’s website, each day of Players Weekend will have a different theme. Here is what Jason Foster wrote:

“Fun (Friday): This will be a time to show off players’ personalities, friendships and off-field interests.

“Causes (Saturday): The focus this day will be on players’ favorite charity and community efforts.

“Appreciation (Sunday): Players will celebrate the people who helped them in their journey to the big leagues.”

Last year, Pasquantino did a benefit for the shelter that was tied to a watch party for his beloved Jets when they played host to the Chiefs.

Pasquantino has shared photos of his dog on Instagram. This is a good-looking pup, Bear.

Bear’s face will be on Pasquantino’s bat. Take a look at this video of Royals players talking about the bats they will use Saturday.

Players Weekend cleats

The Royals are giving away a special pair of cleats in honor of Players Weekend, and the players like them.

This story was originally published August 16, 2024 at 10:04 AM.

Pete Grathoff
The Kansas City Star
From covering the World Series to the World Cup, Pete Grathoff has done a little bit of everything since joining The Kansas City Star in 1997.
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