Denny's Off to Cooperstown

He found out in February. His travel arrangements have been made and, as of this past Tuesday, he had at least “95 percent” of his speech completed. Now, Thursday morning, Denny Matthews takes off, heading to Cooperstown, N.Y., to receive one of the highest honors a person in his industry can receive: the 2007 Ford C. Frick Award.

Denny was told by the National Baseball Hall of Fame that he’s “leading off and batting first” on Sunday at the Hall’s Induction Ceremony – giving the first speech of the afternoon before Cal Ripkin, Jr., and Tony Gwynn are officially inducted in. On Tuesday, Denny got a mini-taste of what he can expect Sunday, when a packed house at Kauffman Stadium saluted him and his honor during the pre-game ceremonies of the Royals-Yankees contest. Denny took the microphone on the field in front of a sellout crowd that was giving him a standing ovation. He then threw out the ceremonial first pitch with friend and Hall of Famer George Brett catching.

“This week reminds of me of when I was younger, playing high school football,” Denny said. “Everything has been leading up the big game. That buildup to the big game has been great and something I will never forget.”

So, on behalf of the Royals family, best of luck on Sunday, Denny – we’ll be rooting you on from Kauffman Stadium!