The Boys in Blue are back at the K tonight to begin a very fun and exciting homestand!  After a three-game series with the Tigers, we'll be taking on Tampa Bay in a four-game series.  Of course, the guys will be bringing all sorts of excitement and entertainment on the field, but the excitement certainly isn't limited to the pitching and bat speed of the team.  We have a ton of really exciting promotions and fun stuff going on in this week!  

Generally, I wait and tell you all about everything we've had going on after we've completed a homestand, but there were just too many great giveaways and events, that I wanted to give you the heads up before they happen! 

Don't miss any of these awesome nights at the K... 

• Tuesday:  T-shirt Tuesday!  Get your Frank White Powder Blue T-shirt!
• Wednesday:  Ink College Day...Show a High School or College ID at the Royals Ticket Window starting 1.5 hours before game time and receive an Outfield Plaza or View Level Box ticket for just $7 each.
• Thursday: Girls Night Out!  Bring all of your girlfriends out to the K!  The party starts at 5:30 PM in Lot H.  The first 20,000 ladies will receive Pink and White Rhinestone cap presented by Meierotto Midwest Jewelers. 
• Friday: A night of fan favorites...Dodge Buck Night and Fireworks Friday presented by Hy-Vee and Pepsi.
• Saturday: The 610 Saturday Party presented by Miller Lite begins at 4:00 PM at Gate A.  Plus the first 20,000 fans will receive a Dan Quisenberry HOF Bobblehead presented by Dodge.  You won't want to leave this game early either...Emerson Drive will be performing a concert from the field after the game!
• Sunday: A great day to bring your family out to a ballgame.  It's Friends and Family Day presented by Bob Evans, and kids can run the bases after the game during the Sprint Fun Run.  This Sunday is also an Autograph Afternoon!

After being out of town for a large portion of the previous homestand, I was just telling a friend that I get to work five of the seven games this week.  Catharine then pointed out that not every one says "I GET to work" when talking about their job...  but it really is the truth when you're on the K Crew!  See you out at the ballpark this week! 

It's a GREAT day to a Royals fan...
-Erica

I worked Friday night's game after being out of town for the past couple of weeks, and it was so good to be back at the stadium!  And very exciting to be back on a victorious night against the Mariners with tons of fans in their Royals' Cowboy Hats! 

Even as I was out of town, I certainly didn't forget about my boys in blue back home in Kansas City.  I feel like my K Crew duties shouldn't be limited to the confinements of the ballpark, so I was busy spreading Royals cheer all over the past couple of weeks...

I'm always thinking of the Royals... even on the beach of Tybee Island!

And then I wore my Royals shirt proudly at church camp!  So many of my campers were so excited to hear about the incredible opportunity I've had this summer with K Crew.  It is probably one of the coolest jobs to get to tell people about... because everyone is always so excited!  And who doesn't like getting to tell people they get to run in a hot dog suit??

Here's a picture of my camp "family" where I certainly wasn't the only Royals fan!

And church camp is about the only place I'd be standing this close to a crazy Cardinals fan!  We are actually all pretending to be excited in this picture about a fake proposal I received earlier that night from a camper, but later I told Hannah (the silly Cardinals fan) that really we're all admiring my super cool ROYALS bracelets! 

While I've loved spreading the excitement of my favorite baseball team from Tybee to Camp Bobwhite, it was great to be back at the stadium Friday night! 

It's a GREAT day to be a Royals fan...
-Erica

Just this afternoon, my dad came in the house disgusted that he had just heard on the radio how excited people were for tomorrow night's game because of the "biggest fireworks display ever in Kansas City."  In a tone that could only be one of a true Royals fan, he said, "We wouldn't want to be excited because we're coming home after winning four games in a row- potentially five- but no- we're excited because of the fireworks!"  He went on to talk about the successful last few games, and somewhere amidst the stats and such, my listening became a little less attentive.  But it wasn't even just minutes later when my mom walks in the door all excited asking if I could get tickets for her and my dad to go to tomorrow night's game... because you guessed it-  she had just heard about "biggest fireworks display ever" on the radio!  My dad and I exchanged a look that was priceless.  Whether you're coming out tomorrow night because (like my dad) you're a huge Royals fan and you're excited to see the guys get their sixth consecutive win or because (like my mom) you're excited to see those fireworks everyone is talking about... either way, I cannot wait to see you there! 

And a special thanks goes out to Kirby this afternoon, because I had already used my tickets for tomorrow night's game, and she so kindly helped me out so that my parents can see the game... and Sky Show!  Kirby is the K Crew member whose talents don't just stop at throwing hot dogs or launching t-shirts, but this girl can SING!  Each time she sings "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the Seventh Inning Stretch, I can't even count the number of fans that come up to me asking about her and complimenting her talented voice!  Thanks so much, Kirby!

And check out all these great pictures from the watch party we had Tuesday night down at the Power and Light District as we cheered on the Royals to beat the Cardinals!!!

It was such a great time, with tons of giveaways and special promotions and fun for everyone in attendance!

It was an incredibly successful night... from the victory on the field to the excitement and enthusiasm of everyone that was back here in KC.

It's a GREAT day to be a Royals fan...
-Erica

Game three of a short homestand with the Texas Rangers proved to be victorious!  It was a short but sweet three game homestand here at the K...

Aaron and I were just talking Tuesday evening how coming to the stadium is almost an escape from everything else going on in life.  Whether it's work or relationships or whatever else is a little stressful in life, it's almost as if when you walk in the gates of the stadium, life just slows down a little bit in a really great way.  There are so many things I love about being at the K... the smell of ballpark hotdogs, the fun music, the nice weather, but most of all are all the incredibly friendly and great people.

I feel like everyone is always in a good mood... from the nice lady that scans my parking pass to the optimistic guy that always says, "Going to be a good game today" as I walk in Gate B to the sweet lady that makes the bathroom so nice and pretty to the courteous event staff men who open the doors for me. 

You might think I'm making this up, but these are seriously the people that I encounter every single game as I'm walking to the K Crew Locker Room!  That is not even to mention the amazing people I am greeted by upon walking into our room... just today, I walked in a little bit late to find Tyler had rolled some extra t-shirts that he shared with me.

That also doesn't go to mention the incredible quality people I've had the opportunity to meet while assisting with the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat.  Every single game, I have the most inspiring and heartfelt conversations with such impressive servants of our community.

These adorable girls with their super sparkly homemade signs are yet another example of the excited and enthusiastic fans that make life better at the K.  They did a great job of cheering throughout the entire game!  Future K Crew girls... I think so!

I think some people get stressed out going to work.  Not me.  Come to the K.  Watch the best game in the world, baseball, with the best people in the world, Kansas Citians, on the largest HD video board in the world, CrownVision.  It's got to be the best place in the world. 

Leave it to the Royals to bring the team to you even when the Boys in Blue are playing in St. Louis.  Come down to the Power and Light District in Downtown Kansas City on Tuesday, June 17, for a Royals Watch Party.  We'll have all kinds of entertainment (including the K Crew, of course), and you can watch the game on the video board above the KC Live! stage.  It will be a fabulously good time for Royals fans of all ages!  See you there!

It's a GREAT day to be a Royals fan...
-Erica

Tuesday evening, I couldn't help but think about the long overdue blog that need to be written as we were going crazy for the rally at the bottom of the ninth that put us into extra innnings.  It truly was "Extra Innings with the K Crew" on Tuesday night at the K. 

As I was leaving the game that evening, a friend of mine called, and he asked me if I was sick of being at games all the time yet... because to be honest, when I heard that we would be working about half of 81 home games, I remember being mildly concerned about my level of commitment for the summer. 

If you combined all of my game attendances in my lifetime, it still wouldn't be the amount of games I'd be working in this one summer.  But when he asked me that, my answer was such a sincere and genuine, "Are you kidding me?! I LOVE THIS JOB!" 

We get to run in hot dog costumes, dance on dugouts, meet so many dedicated Royals' fans, give free stuff to adorable little kids, and just get to be at so many of the games!

 Even after our work at the stadium is done... when the last t-shirt has been launched and the last tattoo has been handed out, K Crew's time together is not.  After the game Tuesday night, we all headed to Denny's for some post-game breakfast. 

For our profiles for the K Crew Web site , I remember being asked what my favorite thing about being on K Crew was and at the time I thought it was "all the crazy cool uniforms."  But now I'm not so sure... don't get me wrong--I still love our "crazy cool uniforms,"  but I might just have to change my answer to "all the crazy cool people I get to work with."

It's a GREAT day to be a Royals fan...
-Erica

It's been said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'm going to let these pictures do some of the talking with just some brief captions from me to explain all of the K Crew fun that is going on in each photo...

I had the pleasure of hearing Trey Hillman and Dayton Moore share their testimonies at my brother's school (Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) last Thursday.  As an area representative for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, I left EXTREMELY impressed with these two men that are in such prestigious positions in the Royals' organization and using their influence to share about the most important thing in their lives--not baseball, but God.  As I left the service, I told my brother I'd never been more proud to be part of this organization than I was upon hearing the leadership has such solid beliefs.

Friday evening, I was in charge of the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat, which is awarded every home game to a member of the community who embodies an aspect of Buck's spirit through generosity and kindness towards others. This was my first time working with this particular facet of our pre-game ceremonies, but I cannot imagine a more a deserving person for this honor.  I enjoyed every minute of getting to speak with Fern before the game.  Her compassion for others radiated throughtout her every word and gesture.  Fern, who turns 85 this September, has spent 17 years dedicating her time and talents to the Raytown Shepherd Center's Meals on Wheels program, and she also actively volunteers with several other Raytown organizations and causes.  I am so glad that part of my job that evening was to meet such a fantastic person!

This last picture is of me and my two adorable little cousins, Keagan and Logan, who were braving the unseasonable cold for our victory against the Blue Jays Friday night. 

I wasn't able to be at the game Saturday night, but a friend of mine was sending me text messages with score updates all evening.  I was in Wal-Mart when I heard the final score that we had won, and I decided my role as a K Crew member really shouldn't be confined to the stadium, so I took it upon myself to announce to everyone in Wal-Mart that we won!!!  My favorite quote of the night was when I started yelling, "Royals...in aisle WONNN!!"

From the inspiring words of Trey Hillman and Dayton Moore to the sweet sincerity of Fern to the sillyness of my own public service annoucement at Wal-Mart, it was one fun week to be K Crew member.

It's a GREAT day to be a Royals fan...
-Erica

As I started to write the latest entry for "Extra Innings with K Crew," I couldn't help but think of what happened in San Diego Thursday night when it took the Rockies THIRTEEN extra innings to beat the Padres 2-1.  It made me wonder what we'd be launching out during Inning #22 at the K! 

While the team has been on the road this week, K Crew has still been sporting the powder blues all over KC.  On Tuesday, the University of Missouri-Kansas City hosted a Royals-themed luncheon in the dining hall.  Emily and I joined Sluggerrr for some ballpark food with students.  We handed out 250 free Royals shirts and tons of bracelets, pins and schedules.  It was fun to see how excited students are about the Royals...well the team and also just the excitement of free t-shirts! 

Jacqueline, Kate, and I got to make a quick- but fun- appearance at another baseball-themed event at HOK Sport.  The Kansas City architecture firm was celebrating their work on ballparks across the country, including Kauffman Stadium renovations.  We threw t-shirts and passed out lots of Royals goodies to the HOK staff.

After working several games last week, it's been so much fun to talk to all of the fans that saw us at the games.  I can't even count the number of people from my work, community, church, and some just complete strangers that have came up to me this week and asked if I work for the Royals.  I'm always so proud to say yes and tell them all about what we get do with K Crew.  Just yesterday, a coach from one of my schools saw me checking in at the office and goes, "Hey- you gave my son a bracelet last weekend!" 

I also never get tired of the attention that we get when we're in our uniforms...whether it's walking into the stadium or getting gas on the way to an event--people see the jerseys and just get excited!  I had some kids come up to me at QuikTrip and ask for an autograph, and then later that same day on the drive home, some guys honked and yelled "Go Royals!" when I was stopped next to them at a red light.

I love baseball.  I love this job.  But most of all--I love my Royals.

It's a GREAT day to be a Royals fan...
-Erica

I wasn't working the game last night, but I was checking Royals.com every few minutes to check the status of the game.  I'm pretty sure I've never once wondered what the score was when I wasn't at a game.  It's official--I AM A ROYALS FAN. 

Not the kind I've been in the past, where I was more excited about the Kiss Cam than the score, but the kind that reminds me a little bit of my dad.  For as long as I can remember, my dad has been a TRUE Royals fan.  The kind that loves the Royals in the good seasons, but also the not so good seasons.  The kind that gets a little annoyed when people cheer louder for the Hot Dog Derby than for the team.  And when I've inquired about this constant dedication of his, he always says it all started with the excitement of going to games in the 80s.  I've never quite got it...until Tuesday night.

As I was looking up at the stadium full of blue screaming fans through the eyes of the Ketchup costume- I felt a little bit of that excitement.  As Emily and I walked around the stadium to our next event and people were yelling and cheering as we walked by in our K Crew uniforms, I felt that excitement.  Then with two outs at the top of the ninth, as fans started standing to their feet and clapping, again I felt that excitement.

From beginning to end, opening day was such a feel of that kind of excitement that I'd only heard my dad talk about as he reminisced of the 80s.  K Crew got to the stadium for our pre-game meeting at noon, and then seven hours later we were in that same room catching our breath from the whirlwind of a day.  We assisted with pre-game (i.e. chatted with Emerson Drive on the field), launched t-shirts, ran in hot dog suits, sang to some Garth, threw out Cracker Jacks, helped with all sorts of promos, did some 7th inning stretching on the dugouts, and last but certainly not least--cheered as the Royals beat the Yankees for our very first home game of 2008!

I checked the final score.  Another victory for the home team.  Come out and feel that excitement from the 80s coming alive... just leave the scrunchies, leg warmers and big hair at home. 

It's a GREAT day to be a Royals fan...
-Erica

I logged into Facebook this afternoon to find the following three status updates in my newsfeed...

Jackie Kitterman...ROYALS!! :)...that's a sweep!

Jimmy Peddicord...Royals are 3 and 0!

Brady Madsen predicts 162-0. Just 159 to go.

Royals fever is in the air, and I could not be more excited about having the opportunity to be part of this team.  The fever was evident last weekend when the K Crew visited a Brigade game at the Sprint Center.  Fans went crazy when they saw the K Crew armed with royals.com T-Shirts.  Even the fans at the Brigade game knew it was time for baseball season and the K Crew T-Shirt Launch.

Just Tuesday night, we had our walk-through before the big home opener, which is just FIVE days away.  We had another photo shoot before learning everything you can imagine about Kauffman Stadium.  I'm not going to lie--it was a tiny bit overwhelming, but there was something extremely exciting about walking up onto the field that night.  The lights were on, CrownVision was looking incredible, the grass was freshly cut...  As I looked around at everyone stepping onto the field, I think we were all feeling the excitement and honor of being a K Crew member.

Not only does the K Crew bring excitement and honor, but also celebrity.  To benefit the Autism Alliance, Jacqueline and Kristin were celebrity servers tonight at Beauchamp's on the Rail in Lee's Summit.  Other celebrity servers included Kansas City Chiefs players.  The news and excitement of the Royals' sweep over Detroit filled the restaurant. 

After the game today, I text messaged a friend of mine all excited about the sweep.  He first wrote back, "Haha yes, I'm proud you heard!"  This was him thinking he's funny because in the past, I haven't always been as up to date with Royals knowledge as I'm certainly going to be this year!  He then went on to write, "I know, I'm definitely excited about their season. What a good year to be a K Crew member!"

With everyone around me so excited about the team, it makes everything I'm getting to do that much more exciting--from putting on our jerseys to having the opportunity to spend these "extra innings" with you!

It's a GREAT day to be a Royals fan...
-Erica

I just left an event for my "day job," and as I was leaving, I mentioned I needed to write my first blog for the K Crew.  One of my coaches inquired about the K Crew, and then we went on to talk about the Royals for the next thirty minutes.  Maybe it's because I work with a lot of coaches, but I feel like anytime I mention my job with the Royals, people are instantly excited and impressed.  This excitement and enthusiasm is instantly contagious and reminds me how very excited I am to be a part of this organization.

Since I am the lucky girl that gets to spend these extra innings with you, it seems appropriate to tell you a little bit about myself.  First, let me send you to the K Crew Web site to view all of our pictures and bios.  You will notice that I get to work with some seriously good-looking people.  Take a minute to look at their bios--they're not just attractive but clever with their answers as well.   

We filled out a profile sheet with several questions, so since we're spending these extra innings together, I'll fill you in on some questions that didn't quite make the cut for the bio, but I still thought were fun so you can get to know me a little better...

Web site you're always on:  Ask Jeeves to ask him all kinds of important questions.
Favorite TV Show:  Grey's Anatomy, two words- McDreamy and McSteamy.
Words to live by/Favorite Quote:  "She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness."  -Adlai Stevnson, about Eleanor Roosevelt
Profession:   High school Spanish teacher
Dream job:  The First Lady
Thing that always makes me laugh:  My dad - he's hilarious in a clever sort of way.
What do you do in your spare time?  I adore reading.
If you had more spare time, what would you like to do?  Conduct spelling and grammar seminars across the country, to inform people when to use the correct to, too, two or when to use your/you're.

I'd say we're well acquainted now.  Wait, one more thing--I'm an extremely goal-oriented person, and my goal for March was to learn to juggle.  And oh yes, I'll be juggling those hot dogs before we shoot them out to you this summer, because I officially can juggle now!

Now since the blog is starting just a few innings late, I'm going to catch you up on what you've missed...

*The Photo Shoot-  Basically I just like pretending I'm cooler than I am for being part of a "photo shoot," but it was such a great time.  We all had the opportunity to meet each other for the first time and learn a little more about our role at the games.  We also received a whole bunch of crazy cool uniforms!  It felt like a blue - powder blue to be exact - Christmas!

*Fan Fest-  This was a fantastic time for a whole bunch of our excited and loyal fans to come out and meet the players, get some autographs, have some ballpark food, and play some whiffle ball.  We got to hand out programs and free goodies, explain the craziness of the autograph lines to anxious fans, and my personal favorite--play some pretty fun whiffle ball with the kiddos.  Ah, and how could I forget the excitement of the sweet (and maybe a little confused) kids asking US for our autographs! This adorable young fan made me feel pretty special to be part of the team!

Can you say PRECIOUS?!  Twice!

*Make-A-Wish Foundation Casino Night-  Jacqueline, Kristin, Sean and Aaron made the appearance on January 31st to help CARSTAR with the Casino Night fundraiser. The benefit raised more than $2500 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which will help grant a wish for a child with a life-threatening illness.

*St. Paddy's Event at Children's Mercy-  Tuyhong and I joined Sluggerrr for a super fun start to our St. Patrick's Day with some very excited patients at Children's Mercy.  We had a leprechaun, some Irish dancers, and we handed out green Royals hats, powder blue bracelets and pencils.  It was a really neat time to get to hang out with the kids that were unable to make it to the parade.  They were so appreciative and sweet to us.

We have some other great events coming up on our schedule.  For Lee's Summit Autism Awareness Night, Jacqueline and Kristin will be among the celebrity servers at Beauchamp's On The Rail Restaurant in Lee's Summit on April 3rd from 6:30-8:30 PM.  Beauchamp's will be DONATING proceeds of that night to the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City.  Also coming up is the Perfect Wedding Guide's Wedding Expo at the Overland Park Convention Center on April 6th.  The Royals will be sponsoring the Groom's Room at the Expo.

Whew, I'm excited to keep you up-to-date a little more regularly now, so I won't have so much to tell you in one blog!  Clearly we've been pretty busy, but the excitement is only beginning as our HOME OPENER is just 12 days away!  On Tuesday, April 8th at 3:10 PM there is only one place to be in Kansas City, and that is Kauffman Stadium cheering on your very own Royals as they start the season off with a victory against the Yankees.  Can't wait to see you there!

It's a GREAT day to be a Royals fan...
-Erica