Monarchs Land Triple-A Pitcher With Local Ties

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A high-level pitcher born and raised in KC is coming to the Kansas City Monarchs.

The American Association club has signed left-hander Dalton Moats, the club announced Monday.

The 27-year-old Moats is set to make his American Association debut with the Monarchs after six seasons in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. The lefty earned a 3.60 ERA in 51 appearances at Triple-A Durham in 2022, a full run below the league average.

Moats attended Park Hill High School in Kansas City, where he played football and basketball as well as baseball. The Royals drafted him in the 33rd round out of high school, but he elected to attend college.

Moats got the call again in 2016, drafted in the 15th round by the Rays out of Delta State University. Though he was a starter in college, he was moved to a bullpen role in the minors. He reached High-A in 2017 and was promoted to Double-A Montgomery the following year.

Moats posted a 3.17 ERA in 2019 with Montgomery over 42 appearances, all but two out of the bullpen.

Moats owns a career 3.57 ERA and walked just 2.7 batters per nine innings over six years of affiliated baseball.

About the American Association

The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team. 

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.

Monarchs Sign Pitchers Matson, Garcia

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Two more exciting arms are joining the Kansas City Monarchs pitching staff, including a hometown product. 

Lefty Zach Matson and right-hander Ruben Garcia have signed with the American Association club, the Monarchs announced Thursday.  

“We’re excited to welcome these two great pitchers to our organization,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “They’re both going to help us tremendously in the upcoming season.”

MATSON TO THE MONARCHS

Matson, 27, was born in Fayetteville, Missouri and grew up in the Kansas City area. A former Orioles, Rockies and Pirates prospect, Matson’s most recent pro action came at Triple-A Indianapolis. He finished the season in that club’s rotation before joining the Monarchs as a free agent. 

Calfapietra says Matson “has the full package,” on and off the mound. 

“Zach’s stuff is great, of course,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said, “But his competitiveness, and the desire and the willingness to continue to go at it; that’s something I feel you need, and he has that.”

The Crowder College product is entering his seventh professional season, and first in the American Association. He sports a 3.92 ERA and 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings over his professional career.

This is the second time Matson has signed a contract with the Kansas City Monarchs. He originally inked a deal with the club on April 2, 2021, before having his contract transferred to the Rockies organization later that month. 

GARCIA READY FOR ACTION

Garcia, 26, is a hard thrower from the right side. The Florida native has played for four different MLB organizations, making it as high as Double-A. He most recently pitched for the Atlantic League’s Charleston Dirty Birds at the close of the 2022 season. He has allowed only nine home runs in his six-year professional career. 

Garcia was originally drafted by the Orioles in the 14th round in 2016 out of Eastern Florida State College. He made it as high as Class A Delmarva with the O’s, posting a 2.15 ERA in 18 appearances with the Shorebirds in 2019. 

He would move to the Tigers organization in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft in the winter of 2019, earning a promotion to Double-A Erie. In December 2021 he was on the move again, picked up by the Astros organization in that year’s minor league Rule 5 Draft. 

After a brief stint with the Royals organization in 2022, Garcia signed with the Dirty Birds on August 8, making 11 appearances down the stretch for the club. 

Matson and Garcia join an exciting Monarchs roster that already features former major leaguers Ryan Castellani and Jacob Robson. 

About the American Association

The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team. 

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.

McClelland Bringing ‘Mamba Mentality’ To Monarchs

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Photo: Trenton Thunder Baseball Club

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — It’s easy to see what makes Jackson McClelland a special pitcher: a high-90s fastball, killer breaking stuff and plenty of experience at the highest level of the minor leagues.

But the new Kansas City Monarchs right-hander’s mental approach keeps things more low-key. He says he channels Kobe Bryant’s ‘Mamba Mentality’ on the mound.

“Kobe was always very focused, but he was always very mindful of everything he wanted to do,” McClelland said. “So that’s the same kind of thing I try to carry over.”

McClelland, 28, officially signed with the Monarchs Tuesday. A former Blue Jays and Cubs prospect, he most recently pitched at the Triple-A level with the Iowa Cubs in 2021.

He spent 2022 outside of baseball, including earning a certificate in commercial real estate from Cornell. Still, he felt a calling to return to the sport he loved.

“It really didn’t feel like baseball was done for me yet,” McClelland said. “I really missed being on the field; being around the guys.”

Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra had already reached out to McClelland offering him a spot on the team.

“He was a guy that was on our radar as early as the 2021 season,” Calfapietra said. “We didn’t give up on him.”

But for McClelland, the best recruitment pitch might have come from a former Monarch.

“I know some guys like [former MLB pitcher] Justin Shafer who had played for the Monarchs previously, and they only had good things to say,” McClelland said. “The Monarchs seemed like the right fit, the best timing, the best place to be as far as getting back on the field.”

A native of Cherry Valley, California, McClelland played three years of college ball at Pepperdine in Malibu, where he posted a 2.81 career ERA. He made two NCAA tournaments with the Waves, in 2014 and 2015.

Drafted by the Blue Jays in the 15th round in 2015, McClelland had a breakout season in 2017. He earned a 1.34 ERA that season between Class A Lansing and High-A Dunedin, and played in the prestigious Arizona Fall league later that year.

Now, McClelland is ready to start a new chapter of his baseball career. He’ll be part of a star-studded Monarchs roster, including former major leaguers Jacob Robson and Ryan Castellani.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get out on the baseball field and experience life in Kansas City with a first-class organization,” McClelland said. “I’m chomping at the bit to play some baseball.”

About the American Association

The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.

Monarchs Manager Calfapietra Extended Through 2025

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — One of baseball’s most successful managers is staying in Kansas City for at least three more years.

The Kansas City Monarchs have signed Joe Calfapietra to a contract extension keeping him with the club through the 2025 season, the Monarchs announced Tuesday.

The two-time American Association Manager of the Year and 2022 Kansas City Coach of the Year thanked the Monarchs’ front office, including owner Mark Brandmeyer, CEO Mark McKee and team president Jay Hinrichs.

“They made me feel from day one like family, and that’s a big deal. My wife, my two girls, they love it in Kansas City.” Calfapietra said on Reign Reborn with Carter Woodiel. “I’m so grateful for the opportunities that I have here. I just want to continue to make everyone proud and keep doing what we’ve been doing in Kansas City.”

The full interview airs Wednesday at noon on the Monarchs’ Facebook page.

“We are pleased to announce the extension of our current agreement for the 2021 American Association Manager of the Year today,” said Brandmeyer. “Our organization is built on the basis of family and community. It is clear to us that Joe Calfapietra was going to contribute to our success in both areas as well as award winning baseball. His energy, passion and baseball intelligence have resulted in post season participation our last four seasons and American Association championships in 2018 and in 2021. We are excited to have Joe’s drive, skillset, and ability to sign and develop very talented ballplayers and lead the Monarchs to the playoffs year after year.”

Calfapietra is a two-time American Association champion, having guided the Monarchs to Miles Wolff Cup titles in 2018 and 2021. He earned the league’s Manager of the Year award in both of those seasons.

In April 2022, Calfapietra earned a citywide honor, taking the Coach of the Year award from the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation.

The Monarchs are looking to win their fourth straight division championship in 2023. Calfapietra has already signed a handful of big names, including former major leaguers Jacob Robson and Ryan Castellani.

Calfapietra enters the 2023 season with a 311-188 record in five seasons with Kansas City. Prior to joining the club he spent 14 seasons at the helm of the New Jersey Jackals, winning two Can-Am League Manager of the Year awards and making six appearances in the league finals.

About the American Association

The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.

OUT-OF-THE-BOX ARM ZACH KOHN SIGNS WITH MONARCHS

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Photo: Mark LoMoglio / Tampa Tarpons

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Zach Kohn just wants to be himself. 

The 25-year-old right-hander, who signed with the Monarchs this week, has persevered throughout his career. Now he’s ready to make some noise with the American Association club. 

“I really just want to get back to me on the field. That’s the biggest part I’m looking forward to,” Kohn said. 

The former Yankees prospect heard of the Monarchs from Justin Shafer, a former major leaguer who pitched with the organization in 2021. Kohn said Shafer brought up the team while the two were working out together earlier this winter. 

Kohn said Shafer called the Monarchs “a top-of-the-line organization.”

“He said they take care of their players; they’ve got a good group of guys,” Kohn said. “I looked into it more and more, and it seemed like the right fit for me.”

A standout in college, Kohn helped Central Michigan to a MAC tournament title that clinched the program’s first NCAA tournament bid since 1995.

The Michigan native earned the win in CMU’s NCAA tournament opener that year, throwing the final 2.1 innings and striking out five in a 6-5 triumph over Miami.  

Kohn says his competitive fire helps him excel on the mound.

“I’m pretty aggressive out there,” Kohn said. “I show a lot of emotion.”

The Yankees drafted Kohn in the 21st round in 2019. He last pitched for the Class A Tampa Tarpons in 2022. He owns a 11.2 K/9 and 4.35 ERA in 29 appearances of affiliated baseball. 

The Monarchs have won three straight division titles in the American Association (not counting the 2020 season when the club did not participate due to the pandemic.) They’ve finished with the MLB Partner League’s best regular-season record in each of the last two seasons, winning the league title in 2021. 

Kohn is the third pitcher the Monarchs have signed for the 2023 season. Right-hander Alex Valdez officially joined the club on January 18. Former major leaguer Ryan Castellani signed with the Monarchs on February 13. 

The Monarchs open the upcoming season on Friday, May 12, on the road against the Sioux City Explorers. Their 2023 home opener is set for Friday, May 19 against the Sioux Falls Canaries. Fans can buy tickets, check out upcoming promotions and learn more about the team at MonarchsBaseball.com.

Follow the Monarchs on Twitter @KSCityMonarchs, on Instagram @KC_Monarchs, and at Facebook.com/KCMonarchsBaseball.

KANSAS CITY CHIEF MARQUEZ VALDES-SCANTLING TO HOST CHARITY SOFTBALL GAME

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Kansas City, KS – Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver, Marquez Valdes-Scantling today announced “The Marquez Valdes-Scantling Charity Softball Game” benefiting his Humble Beginnings Foundation. The event will debut at Legends Field, home of the Kansas City Monarchs, on Friday, June 9th at 6:30pm. Tickets will go on sale Friday, February 17, 2023 at 1PM CST at MonarchsBaseball.com.

Super Bowl LVII Champion, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is kicking off his Humble Beginnings Foundation with a charity softball game raising proceeds for economically disadvantaged areas in the greater Kansas City area as he and his invited Kansas City Chiefs teammates, Chiefs legends, coaches and celebrities battle it out on the diamond for a good cause. This Friday Night Lights game will feature a Homerun Derby and a seven inning Chiefs offense vs. defense softball game.

MVS stated: “Growing up on the south side of St. Petersburg, Florida, I saw children in economically disadvantaged areas and a large population of homeless individuals. Personally, I was fortunate enough to have a tremendous family who sacrificed everything to provide for me. My family instilled in me the importance of volunteering and giving back to my community. Kansas City has welcomed me with open arms and I am excited to continue making an impact here on and off the field and showing the fans who I really am.” “We are thrilled to be hosting Marquez and his teammates in this Super Bowl winning year,” said Mark McKee, MaxFun Live and Kansas City Monarchs CEO. “We are committed to creating a world class experience for our fans year-round on and off the field and we could not be more excited to host what I’m sure will be a fun night for fans and a great benefit for local charities.

Ticket Information – On Sale Friday, February 17 at 1PM CST

Tickets for the softball game will start at $25 for bleacher seats and general admission, reserved seating at $50 and a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $150 for the best seats in the house that include a MVS autographed Kansas City Chiefs mini-helmet. All tickets can be purchased at MonarchsBaseball.com or in person at Legends Field Box Office.

If you are interested in group tickets, suites, party deck or sponsorship donation opportunities, please contact Carley Sanfilippo at Team Lammi Sports Management at (414) 507-6197 or csanfilippo@team-lammi.com.

For more information on the 1st Annual Marquez Valdes-Scantling Charity Softball Game please visit www.mvscharitysoftball.com or follow us at @mvscharitysoftball on Instagram

The Humble Beginnings Foundation: The Humble Beginnings Foundation was started in 2023 to help individuals in economically disadvantaged areas receive aid and resources to better themselves physically, mentally and emotionally. Our mission is to help children and adults achieve a sustainable and functional lifestyle.

About MaxFun Live

MaxFun Live is a fan-focused Kansas City based producer of live sports and entertainment events. We are passionate about creating experiences that are entertaining, engaging and memorable. We are also the proud owners of the 2021 American Association Kansas City Monarchs Baseball Team. We manage Legend’s Field – a 5,600+ seat stadium (capacity up to 20,000 with the field) located in Kansas City, Kansas adjacent to Kansas Speedway and Children’s Mercy Park (home to Sporting Kansas City). More information at Team Lammi:

TEAM LAMMI is… Talent, Events, Advertising, and Media. Founded in 2001 with the intent of providing all of their clients with uniquely tailored sports marketing programs, unparalleled events, and award-winning sports media programs with idea generation and event activation from Senior Management and leading teammates.

Contacts: Carley Sanfilippo csanfilippo@team-lammi.com (414) 507-6197 Will Gregory will@willgregorypr.com (816) 645-6116

‘MAPLE HAMMER’ JACOB ROBSON BACK WITH MONARCHS

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Maple Hammer is coming back to the Kansas City Monarchs.

Former major leaguer Jacob Robson has re-signed with the American Association club for the 2023 season, the Monarchs announced Thursday.

“He’s a complete player,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He hits, he runs, he has power from the left side, and he’s a great person.”

Robson instantly became a core player on a Monarchs team that finished the year with the American Association’s best record. He slashed .288/.403/.631 over 29 games, good for an eye-popping 1.034 OPS. He hit nine home runs and seven doubles while stealing eight bases.

Calfapietra said he knew Robson was a special player “from the first time I saw him.”

Robson, 28, broke through to the big leagues in 2021, playing four games with the Detroit Tigers. He flashed the leather in his first MLB start on August 13, making an impressive sliding catch in foul territory.

The Tigers drafted Robson in the 8th round in 2016 out of Mississippi State, where he served as captain of the powerhouse program his senior year. He batted .296 in his collegiate career with a .401 on-base percentage, helping the Bulldogs to a College World Series appearance in 2013. That was around the time when Robson was first called the Maple Hammer, a nickname that quickly stuck.

Robson would quickly advance through the Tigers’ system, earning a promotion to Triple-A Toledo in 2018. He began 2022 in Toledo before joining the Monarchs on August 5.

A native of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Robson is a regular on the Canadian national team, most recently leading Team Canada in a 2021 Olympic qualifying tournament. Robson led Canada with a 1.160 OPS in that tournament, including a game-tying home run off of 14-year MLB veteran Homer Bailey.

Robson is on Canada’s roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic that begins this coming March.

The Monarchs have won three straight division championships in the American Association, an MLB Partner League.

The Monarchs open the upcoming season on Friday, May 12, on the road against the Sioux City Explorers. Their 2023 home opener is set for Friday, May 19 against the Sioux Falls Canaries. Fans can buy tickets, check out upcoming promotions and learn more about the team at MonarchsBaseball.com.

Follow the Monarchs on Twitter @KSCityMonarchs, on Instagram @KC_Monarchs, and at Facebook.com/KCMonarchsBaseball.