Around The K on Wednesday

Here are some off-field moments team photographer Chris Vleisides captured for us from last night’s game…

He might have made his mark across the parking lot, but Tony DiPardo had no problems enjoying himself with this Kansas City team Wednesday night. DiPardo, well known in the community for his 40-plus years entertaining with the Chiefs and for his friendship with Buck O’Neil, put his trumpet down last night and enjoyed a Royals game as the recipient of the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat.

Tony – “Mr. Music” of Kansas City – turns 95 years old this month and, of course, is celebrating with a big blowout! DiPardo is hosting a birthday-bash event on Aug. 26 at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center Hotel that benefits the Tony DiPardo Music Foundation, an organization that encourages music and reading to the area’s youth. It’s open to the public, so if you are interested in attending contact Patti DiPardo Productions at (816) 537-5381.

After today’s afternoon game against the Twins, we only have 23 home games left…do you know someone who should be sitting in the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat? Fill out that nomination form…

Back To School: The Royals Wives and Royals Charities volunteers braved the heat with many of our fans Wednesday, collecting school supplies for the annual Royals Charities Back to School Drive. Thanks to everyone who donated pencils, crayons, notebooks and more for the local kids at Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary School!

BB Rookies Win: Bannister and Butler took home another award last night as the Royals Pitcher and Player for the Month of July. Butler, who hit .341 (31-91) with six doubles, one triple, three homers and 24 RBI in July, also took home the American League Rookie of the Month award…the same one Bannister took home in June after posting a 5-1 mark with a 2.75 ERA in six starts. Congrats, guys!

THURSDAY’S LINEUPS POSTED: Here are lineups – first pitch is at 1:10 p.m.

For the Royals:
DeJesus – CF
German – 2B
Teahen – RF
Butler – DH
Gload – 1B
Gordon – 3B
Pena – SS
Gathright – LF
LaRue – C
Davies – P

For the Twins:
Casilla – 2B
Bartlett – SS
Mauer – C
Cuddyer – RF
Morneau – 1B
Hunter – CF
Kubel – LF
White – DH
Rodriguez – 3B
Garza – P