About a month ago, McKinley picked “The Sandlot” as our movie night flick, and though we’ve watched it a handful of times, I never noticed that one of the characters wore a KC Monarch hat. We explained to McKinley the significance of the ball cap and what the Negro league represented. My husband informed us that we have a “new” ball club as of 2021 and they are called the Kansas City Monarchs. Formerly the T-Bones, this current Monarch team is playing in the newly named Legends Field, and they have partnered with the Negro League Baseball Museum to pay homage to the original Kansas City Monarchs. The new franchise is part of the American Association of Professional Baseball, which as of 2020, is now affiliated with Major League Baseball.
Before I share how cool this park is, I want to provide some history behind the original Kansas City Monarch franchise. The Monarchs played in Kansas City from 1920-1965 and they were the longest running franchise in the history of the Negro leagues. They won 10 league championships, the Negro World Series titles in 1924 and 1942, and produced more major league players than any other league in the franchise before the league was disbanded in 1965. Some of the larger names to come out of the Negro league were Jackie Robinson, Satchel Page, and Ernie Banks, all who I knew of by name, but had no idea they got their start here in Kansas City. And we have to add Buck O’Neil to this list of baseball greats.
The new Legends Field is a small but impressive stadium. Upon entry, you feel a sense of community. A laid back, chill vibe. A gathering spot of family and friends. We walked through the main gate and stepped on to the plaza, a cozy spot lined with patio lights, sporadically placed tables and chairs with synthetic turf under each, and a beverage station all allowing for a little lounging before the game. The concourse is lined with vendors offering something for every taste bud, the Team Store where we picked up official Monarch merchandise, a beer park and daiquiri stand offering mixed drinks, draft beers (Mama picked up a Blue Moon with an orange slice), and daiquiris.
There’s a family friendly park located in the outfield that is just as much fun for big and little kids alike! High top tables allow for fans to hang out with friends, while still keeping an eye on the game, but where you can also partake in a serious game of Corn Hole or ping pong. Kids can run crazy on the playground or take someone on in a life size game of Connect Four. Or simply relax in an Adirondack chair under the summer sky. Truly a special spot within the ballpark.
Watch players warm up in their batting cages, moments before the game, right behind the outfield. The sidewalk is lined with benches for fans to gather. Also, hang out before or after the game and you may just catch a glimpse of your favorite players. We got to take in a little bit of the action before the game, but my husband and I both agreed, this probably wasn’t the best time to take photos. Let them get ready for the game ahead. I gotta say, it was super cool to be that close to a warmup though. You’ve got to check that out for sure!
We finally took our seats for the announcement of the startling lineup. The current roster are former T-Bone players, with the manager of the team in his sixth season. And a surprise to both me and my husband is that Frank White is the Monarchs first base coach! That’s right, THE Frank White of the Kansas City Royals. He is back for his second season with the team and it was so great to see a local legend back on the field! The Monarchs played the Winnipeg Goldeyes of Canada and I love that we got to hear the Canadian National Anthem as well as our own "Star Spangled Banner". That doesn’t happen at every game!
It was time to play ball. Joel and I are avid baseball fans. Our son, not so much! We had to “sell” this family night for a solid week, but I think the Monarchs turned his love of the game around. He was engaged from the starting pitch, asked tons of questions about scoring, kept his eye on balls and strikes, and rooted for the Monarchs throughout the game. Never once did he ask to head over to the outfield play area, opting instead to take in the magic of what a summer night at the ballpark has to offer. Hotdogs, Dippin’ Dots, fun in between inning action on the field, and just simply root, root, rooting for the home team. And when we made it on the Jumbo Tron, he was sold! And this baseball loving Mama was here for the whole thing! Thank you, Monarchs!!
The game went into extra innings and we stayed until the bottom of the 11th, through a pitcher change, and watched one last hit before heading to the car. On our way out of the gate, someone hit a foul ball that soared over the stadium and landed just steps from McKinley! We ran to pick up the ball, and at age 10, this sweet kid has his first professional baseball. You couldn’t write a better ending to a night like this. It’s why baseball is American’s favorite pastime! And why we will be back soon!
XO,
Andrea
*Our tickets were gifted to us by the Kansas City Monarchs, but all photos and thoughts are my own.
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