Root, root, root for the away team?
It’s been a fun filled past few days in Kansas City. Unlike many of the other cities that I’ve visted, I’ve had an abundance of off days here in KC. I’ve been loving them. It’s more of a mental break than physical, but I’ve been able to check out a few different things throughout the city.
One of the things that was on the top of my list was the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. It’s one of the richest parts of history in baseball, not to mention an integral part of the civil rights movement. The league started in Kansas City as the city was home to the Kansas City Monarchs. Numerous Hall of Fame players stemmed from the Negro Leagues and names like Sachel Page, Henry Aaron, and the likes decorated the walls. The museum was set up in an incredible way that really provided a sense of understanding of the racism that faced these players. From not being able to find hotels to stay in, to being denied meals at restaurants all because of the color of their skin it really shined light on a sad part of American history. The league eventually ended in 1960, in a bitter sweet fashion. All the players were now able to play in the Major Leagues thanks to the heroic works of Jackie Robinson. Thus, the need for a seperate but equal league for black players was unnecessary.
I was able to meet the president of the museum, Bob, whose knowledge of the game, players, and history were second to none. His stories were incredible, and he really gave insight into how the museum was set up. I loved talking with him and he was just a genuine baseball fan who wanted to help preserve an important aspect of the game. Thanks for the tour Bob!
After my pitstop at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum I was off to downtown to meet up with my former high school soccer coach Bill Fehrenbach. Sound familiar? I actually stayed a few days with his brother Jon out in Seattle when I began this adventure! Coach was in town to grade AP Statistic exams from students across the country, however he invited me to join him for the Sporting KC soccer game that night. I’m a fan of all sports, so you know I’m down for a soccer match!
Before the game, I was able to watch a good portion of the U.S. Women’s National Team’s game versus Nigeria in group play for the Women’s World Cup. I love the excitement surrounded around the World Cup, but haven’t been able to watch any of the games thus far. So when I had the opportunity, I knew I had to catch the game.
Within the stadium the atmosphere was rowdy. As part of the U.S. Cup, Sporting KC was taking on nearby soccer team St. Louis, so it was a heated border battle. Through different chants, cheers, and rowdiness Sporting KC prevailed. It was a gorgeous night for a game, and the fans of Kansas City really backed their team in the 1-0 win. It was a whole lot of fun to experience that kind of soccer atmosphere.
Yesterday was game day. And today is too. Two game days that’s great. Better yet, they’re versus the Brewers, so these have been dates circled on my calendar when I first planned the route. It’s the only time where I won’t be fully rooting for the home team on this trip as I do have some conflicted interest. The Brewers have been having an awful year, but I stick by them. Through the thick and thin. I’m no bandwagon fan, and I’ll don my Brewers gear with pride.
I’ve been doing a lot of media interviews with local media here in Kansas City which is great! Any publicity is good publicity and it’s been fun to share the story about Biking for Baseball and the importance of mentoring. In fact, while walking around the ballpark throughout the game I would routinely get stopped by people who recognized me as the biker dude! Now that’s pretty exciting. It’ll never get old.
For the game, I was able to meet up with my uncle and his girlfriend. It’s been nice to see some familiar faces while in KC. He was nice enough to treat me to a ballgame and the brisket acho. A massive, helmet filled, heaping masterpiece filled with nachos, corn, jalapenos, barbaque, and more. It’s a shortcut to a cardiac arrest, but man was it good. It’s great to have family supporting me along the trip, as well as other people from my hometown. Sometimes it’s just nice to meet people you’ve known for years.
Unfortuntely, the Brewers continued their season of subpar play and got crushed by the Royals. The Royals’ roster consists of plenty of former Brewers coaches and players, so for a Brewer fan it can be tough to watch. At the same time Greinke, who we traded for from KC, helped us come within two games of the World Series back in 2011. In all honesty, it’s a trade that worked well for both teams.
As for me, I’ve got one more ballgame tonight at the K that I’m anxious to attend. Hopefully the Brewers are able to deliver a win this time around. I’ve seen the players play on the road in Chicago, San Francisco, and here in Kansas City. Everytime they’ve gotten beat. Here in Kansas City, I was very impressed with how many fans from Wisconsin made the trip down. For a team with one of the worst records in baseball you wouldn’t expect to see so many fans at away games, yet the Brewers faithful made the trek.
As for tonight, it’s root, root, root for the away team. Go Brewers. Forever and always.
Matt