MONARCHS WELCOME BACK SWEENEY

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Kansas City fan favorite and right-handed slugger Darnell Sweeney has signed with the Monarchs for the 2022 season announced American Association Manager of the Year Joe Calfapietra on Wednesday. The versatile Sweeney played all around the playing field – 62 games at third base / 13 games in centerfield / 11 games at second base / 10 games at shortstop and one game as a designated hitter and in rightfield.  He hit .262 during that 2021 Championship campaign.  In the playoffs Sweeney hit .476, played in all 6 games scoring 10 runs, hit 3 home runs in 2 straight games and had 7 runs batted in and walked 7 times as the Monarchs swept their way to an American Association League Championship.

“I am really excited to be back and get a chance to go back-to-back.  To put that Monarchs uniform on for the first year back was amazing and to win it all was amazing” expressed Sweeney.  “I’m gonna be back KC” said the former Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jay infielder.

In 2021 Sweeney tied for team lead in runs scored with 76 and his 28 doubles led ballclub.  His 19 home runs were a career high and put him second on the team. In addition, he led the club in stolen bases with 22 while knocking in 69 runs.

Calfapietra added “The organization is very happy to have Darnell back.  He was a major component to our Championship season both on and off the field.  We are looking forward to starting another successful run with him in 2022.”

MONARCHS INK ISABEL FOR 2022

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First baseman / Outfielder / Right-handed slugger Ibandel Isabel will once again play a role on the American Association Champion Kansas City Monarchs in 2022 it was announced this morning by manager Joe Calfapietra.

The Monarchs open the 2022 campaign May 13 at Legends Field vs. 2021 playoff foe Sioux City.

Isabel 26, joined the Monarchs on August 5, 2021 and made 27 designated hitter appearances for the ballclub.  The Dominican Republic native hit .320 with 11 home runs and 24 RBI over the course of August and early September.  Item to note: Isabel hit a home run on the first pitch he saw as a Monarch.

In the 2021 American Association Playoffs Isabel played in all 6 games, scored 7 runs – had 7 hits and 7 RBI.  Hit 2 home runs and walked 5 times.  His playoff on base percentage was 429 and his batting average was .304

Prior to coming to the Monarchs, Isabel was with the Rocket City Trash Pandas – the double A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and hit 13 home runs and drove in 28 in 62 games.

Joe quote “We are very excited to have Isabel back on our Club for the 2022 season.  He was an impact player for us in August and during the stretch run.  This is a middle of the lineup bat with power that will contribute at home and on the road”.

The Kansas City Monarchs open up their 2022 season on Friday, May 13th against the Sioux City Explorers. Tickets are on sale now by calling 913.328.5618 or by visiting tickets.monarchsbaseball.com Follow the Monarchs on all social media platforms!

GROEN TRADED TO SUSSEX COUNTY

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The Monarchs have traded right handed pitcher Gunnar Groen to the Sussex County Miners of the Frontier League.

In 2021 the rookie pitched 7 innings in 7 appearances for the Monarchs had a 5.14 ERA. Gunner gave up 2 hits, had 10 strikeouts and 7 walks.