The Monarchs bring in 27-year-old left-handed hitting outfielder, Willie Abreu to the Kansas City 2022 club. Abreu, from Hialeah, Florida plays all three outfield positions and was drafted originally out of high school by the Cincinnati Reds and later by the Colorado Rockies in the 6^th round in 2016 out of the University of Miami. Abreu played on the United States National 16 under and 18 under teams.

Playing 70 games for AA Hartford in the Northeast League in 2021 Abreu hit .233 with 14 doubles, 7 home runs and drove in 35 runs tossing in 5 stolen bases on the campaign.

Ten-year Major-League Baseball left-handed hitting slugger Matt Adams has signed with the Kansas City Monarchs announced 2021 American Association Manager of the Year Joe Calfapietra.  “We are very excited to have Matt a part of our ball club for the 2022 season” said Calfapietra.  “His ability, experience and presence is going to be extremely valuable to our organization.  We are anxious to get started toward taking the steps to reach our 2022 goals.”

Adams who most recently played for the Colorado Rockies in 2021 was a World Series Champion with the 2019 Washington Nationals where he hit 20 home runs and drove in 56 with 14 doubles in the Championship season.  Adams was drafted by the Cardinals in the 23^rd round of the 2009 MLB draft.  Known as “Big City”, Adams lives in metropolitan Saint Louis and is looking forward to the 2022 season as a Monarchs.  “I am very excited to play in Kansas City – what drew my interest in the Monarchs was that Kansas City is a great sports town close to my home with great fans and the level of baseball the Monarchs play is top level.  The history of Monarchs baseball is special.  The number of players sent to major league organizations and the Championship is very important to me.  I wanted to continue to play the game I love and show that I can still be an impactful big-league player and get back to a major league club” added Adams on the day the contract was finalized.

Adams played for the Saint Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Washington, and last season in Colorado.   In his 10-year Major League career, Adams played in 856 games, hit 118 home runs and drove in 399 runs with 624 hits.   Adams had double digit home runs in 2013 (17) 2014 (15) 2016 (16) 2017 (20) 2018 (21) 2019 (20).

The Monarchs 2022 Training Camp opens on May 5 at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas – Opening Night is Friday May 13 at 7 p.m. when KC takes on divisional rival Sioux City.

For tickets call 913.328.5618 or see monarchsbaseball.com

Kansas Baseball is proud to host the 2022 Buck O’Neil Classic on Tuesday, April 19 at Legends Field in Kansas City. The Jayhawks will take on Texas Southern at 6 p.m., in a matchup honoring O’Neil as he is set to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame this summer posthumously. There will be a pregame press availability with Kansas Head Coach Ritch Price, Negro League Museum Community Engagement Manager Kiona Sinks and Kansas Baseball student-athlete and Kansas City native Tavian Josenberger at 4:30 p.m., on the field, in front of the Kansas dugout.

There will be a media meal provided from 4-6 p.m., in Suite 219. The press box will be available to use before and during the game. Media can pick up credentials for the game at the ticket booth in left field beginning at 4 p.m. If you already have been issued a season credential, you will not need to pick one up. Please enter through Gate B. There will be parking available in the general parking lot. There is no permit required.

Who: Kansas Head Coach Ritch Price, Kansas Second Baseman Tavian Josenberger, Negro League Museum Community Engagement Manager Kiona Sinks
What: 2022 Buck O’Neil Classic Pregame Press Conference
Where: Legends Field: 1800 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS, 66111
When: April 19, 4:30 p.m.

As announced by 2021 American Association Manager of the Year, Joe Calfapietra – Matt Hall, the Lee’s Summit West and Missouri State University product will return to the rotation for the 2022 Kansas City Monarchs.   “We are very excited to have Matt back for the 2022 season” said Manager Joe Calfapietra.  “Obviously, he was a big big part of our pitching staff when we acquired him at the end of the season.  Looking forward to having him in the starting rotation to start the 2022 season.  His big-league presence went and will go a long way”  The former Detroit Tiger and Boston Red Sox was a huge late season sign by Calfapietra; Hall was 2-0 in 3 games down the stretch with a 0.75 ERA in 12 innings.  Hall struck out 17 with only 1 base on balls and 5 hits.

The 28-year-old was drafted in the 6^th round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft by Boston.  Before joining the Monarchs in 2021, Hall was 2-2 in 28 games with 5 Holds and 1 Save for AAA Worcester Red Sox.  Hall pitch for the Detroit Tigers in 2018 (5 games) and 2019 (16 games) and 4 games for the big-league Boston Red Sox in 2020.

In the 2021 American Association post-season Hall started both game ones for the Divisional Series and Championship Series.  In the Game One start Hall pitched 6 innings, allowed one run and only 6 hits while striking out 4 Explorers for the win.  In Fargo, Hall started Championship series game one, pitched 6 innings, allowed 4 earned runs, struck out 7 RedHawks and gave up 7 hits also earning the win.

Hall said “It is an honor to play for Joe and Mike – they are great people there is a really great staff behind the scenes in the support staff and front office.  I look forward to another year with the Monarchs and bringing back a Championship for Kansas City.  “I really love playing in front of my hometown fans” added Hall.

Monarchs Training Camp begins May 5 with 2022 Opening Night slated for 7 p.m. on Friday May 13.  For tickets call 913.328.5618 or hit the website at monarchsbaseball.com.