HBCU & Greek Night Returns To Legends Field

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The third annual HBCU & Greek Night is back for 2024. The American Association Kansas City Monarchs are hosting the popular and meaningful theme night on Friday, August 23 in partnership with the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce and Carter Broadcasting Group in support of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) and its “Pitch for the Future” capital campaign to build the nation’s only Negro Leagues campus. 20% of ticket sales from the night will directly benefit the NLBM.

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The third annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) & Greek Night, presented by Dairy Farmers of America, honors the connection between the Negro Leagues and HBCUs. That includes the legacy of museum founder Buck O’Neil, who attended Edward Waters College in Florida before embarking on his baseball career.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to educate the public about this little-known facet as it relates to Negro Leagues history; provide and engaging and entertaining social outing for the Greek community and raise support and greater interest for the exciting next phase of growth for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum,” said NLBM President Bob Kendrick.

In May of 2023, the NLBM announced plans to build a new 30,000 square-foot museum adjacent to the Paseo YMCA (1824 Paseo, KCMO), the birthplace of the Negro Leagues, and the future home of the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center. The $25 million project will create an international hub for Negro Leagues and social history and will become the gateway into the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District.

“We couldn’t be more excited to host the Pitch for the Future capital campaign fundraiser at Legends Field. The partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is essential to us and I am happy we can contribute to the museum’s growth and future success. We’re glad we can be the stage for HBCU Greek Night to honor the museum, the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, KPRS and the entire HBCU Greek community. Let’s hope for a sellout so the check is a big one!” said American Association Monarchs Team Owner Mark Brandmeyer.

 

ABOUT THE NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM:

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. The privately funded, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization was established in 1990 and is in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri’s Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. The NLBM operates two blocks from the Paseo YMCA where Andrew “Rube” Foster established the Negro National League in 1920.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ASSOICATION KANSAS CITY MONARCHS:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2024 will be their 21st season at Legends Field 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. This year, the American Association Monarchs and the museum are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first Negro League World Series, won by the Monarchs in 1924.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Carter Woodiel
Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations, Kansas City Monarchs
cwoodiel@monarchsbaseball.com
973-803-3653

Monarchs Fall Short Of Sweep

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Kansas City Monarchs were unable to complete their second sweep of the season on Wednesday night, falling to the Kane County Cougars, 9-0, at Legends Field.

The loss snaps Kansas City’s longest winning streak of the season, dating back to Saturday’s 5-3 win over the Winnipeg Goldeyes.

The Cougars (6-6) hit around Monarchs starter Yefry Ramirez (0-1) in the second inning. Kane County plated six runs on five hits, including a pair of run-scoring doubles from Hayden Dunhurst and Ernny Ordonez.

Jacob Cantleberry hurled his best outing of the season to keep Kansas City in it. 

The former Missouri Tiger emerged from the bullpen after Ramirez’ departure in the fourth inning. The southpaw struck out five across 2.2 innings, allowing just one base hit.

Cantleberry and Nicolo Pinazzi combined for 3.2 shutout innings, marking a streak of over 16 consecutive shutout innings by the Kansas City (8-4) bullpen.

The Monarchs bats weren’t able to keep up with Cougar starter Jack Fox (1-1). The right-hander dominated the KC lineup, allowing just four singles in six innings.

Kane County tacked on another two runs in the final two innings.

The Monarchs continue their 10-game home stand on Friday against the Lincoln Saltdogs at Legends Field. Friday night features a 1924 Kansas City Monarchs Negro League Flag giveaway while supplies last, first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm.

Tickets are available at monarchsbaseball.com

Solid Pitching Leads Monarchs To Series-Clinching Win

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By Cal Friedman

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — First-year pitching coach Justin Shafer laid out his pitching philosophy on Tuesday; getting pitchers to do great at what they’re good at. 

On paper, it’s simple and routine. In action, it’s effective and dynamic.

The Kansas City Monarchs’ bullpen finished off the Kane County Cougars in a 6-2 win on Tuesday night at Legends Field. The duo of Nate Tellier and Zack Leban shoved, giving up just one base runner in the final four innings.

Leban secured his first save at Legends Field as the Monarchs (8-3) secured the series over the Cougars.

“[It felt] good, anything to help everyone win and do a good job,” Leban said. 

Monarchs starter Connor Curlis (1-0) looked comfortable in his new role. The southpaw hurled five innings with four strikeouts.

Curlis continued to impress as his outing went on. The Ohio native gave up just one base hit in the final 11 batters he faced, including two strikeouts in the third inning. 

The bottom of the lineup got it going for the Monarchs. Hayden Jones kept his hot form going, drilling an RBI single to center field to tie the ballgame. Jones is now up to seven RBI this season on just six hits this campaign.

Bryan Aguilar earned his first start at Legends Field and began with a bang. The third baseman tanked a run-scoring double to give KC its first lead in the second inning, 2-1.

Kane County (5-6) was able to tie the game on a Harrison Smith sacrifice fly, but Kansas City hit back immediately. A red-hot Frankie Tostado punished Cougars starter Westin Muir (0-1) with an RBI double to score Travis Swaggerty, making it 3-2 Monarchs.

Tostado finished 1-for-2 with a pair of walks, extending his hitting streak to five games.

Leban entered in the eighth to the tune of a seven-pitch inning, inducing three straight groundouts.

“Just trying to get ahead and let the fielders work and do their job,” Leban said. “Just try to make good pitches”

The Monarchs created breathing room in the eighth to seal another home win. Ross Adolph and Josh Bissonette both contributed RBI hits to help make it a four-run advantage.

The Monarchs’ bullpen has now combined to throw 12 consecutive shutout innings, dating back to Sunday’s series-clinching win over Winnipeg.

“We’re getting to know each other, telling jokes, keeping it pretty light,” Leban said. “[We’re] just trying to roll with some good vibes.”

The Monarchs try to keep the vibes going in their series finale with the Cougars tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. Tickets are available at monarchsbaseball.com.

Monarchs Pull Away To Top Kane County

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Kansas City Monarchs are starting to feel at home at Legends Field. Kansas City has scored 21 runs in the last 12 innings in KCK, and having fun while doing it.

Kansas City defeated the Kane County Cougars 11-3 on Monday night.  The Monarchs hit three home runs for the second consecutive game. Hayden Jones crushed one and Ross Adolph went yard twice. 

Grant Gavin (3-0) earned the win in his first start as a Monarch. Adolph and Jones combined to go 7-for-9 with six of Kansas City’s 10 RBI.

“From the moment I got here, I knew we had a special group,” Adolph said. “This group molds together so well, I’m just excited to see what happens.”

Kansas City put up season highs in runs scored and hits, recording 17 base knocks.

Jones homered for the second straight day, depositing a two-run bomb to right field. Jones has now driven in six RBI this season.

Adolph continued his six-game hitting streak with his best performance of the year. Both of the home runs carried the opposite way to left-center field, a combined 827 feet of glory.

“After the first AB, I thought to stay patient, let it get deep,” Adolph said. “You look up at the flags, see them blowing out to left. Just staying within myself, doing damage that way.”

Travis Swaggerty, Blake Rutherford, Bryan Aguilar and Tucker Bradley all plated runs for Kansas City.

Gavin looked comfortable in his new role early. The right-hander struck out the side in the first inning, dancing around runners at the corners.

Deja vu came just one inning later as Kane County put runners on first and third quickly, but Gavin punched out another three in a row to keep the Cougars off the board.

Gavin would strike out two or more batters in all five innings, fanning 13 batters. The punchouts were the most by a Monarch all season long.

Defense inspired offense, putting together another complete team win for Kansas City.

The Monarchs continue their series with the Cougars tomorrow at 6:35 PM. Tickers are available at monarchsbaseball.com

Monarchs’ Goudeau Heading To Mexican League

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Kansas City Monarchs field manager Joe Calfapietra has announced the contract transfer of pitcher Ashton Goudeau to El Águila de Veracruz of the Mexican League, effective Monday afternoon.

Goudeau finishes his stint with Kansas City with a 1.65 ERA, earning six wins in his eight appearances for the club.

“He did an incredible job, game after game for us,” Calfapietra said. “That was a key part to the 2023 season, winning big games, then having the opportunity to re-sign him.”

The right-hander was the Monarchs’ ace of staff during their run to the 2023 AAPB Championship series, including starting the title-clinching victory over Chicago.

The former major league arm dominated for Kansas City during the 2023 postseason, throwing shutout starts against the Sioux Falls Canaries and Sioux City Explorers. He hurled a Monarchs-best eight shutout innings in game two against the X’s, which kept Kansas City’s postseason hopes alive.

“The guys look up to Ashton, not only that he has major league time, but how he carries himself,” Calfapietra said. “He was always willing to share information. We were very grateful to have him.”

The 31-year-old was stellar to open this season, giving up just one run in his first 10 innings in the 2024 season. Goudeau shoved on Opening Day, pitching five scoreless frames at Sioux City.

“He’s very excited for this new opportunity. Like all the players, we’re looking to have them better their baseball careers, financially. This is another one in a long line,” Calfapietra said.

Veracruz is coming off a 48-40 season in the Mexican League in 2023. Their roster boasts eight players with MLB service time.

The Monarchs are in the middle of their first homestand of the season, with games all this week from Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. Learn more about the Monarchs and check the full schedule at MonarchsBaseball.com. 

KC Native McMahon Signs With Monarchs

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By Cal Friedman

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Another homegrown professional is set to join the Kansas City Monarchs.

The reigning American Association champions announced the arrival of Kansas City, Missouri, native Hunter McMahon on Sunday afternoon. The right-handed pitcher joins the Monarchs from the Minnesota Twins organization, reaching as high as Triple-A ball.

McMahon is one of three Kansas City-area natives on this year’s Monarchs, joining Grant Gavin (Parkville, MO) and Jonathan Sprinkle (Overland Park, KS). He attended Staley High School in Northern KC.

The 26-year-old saw time in Triple-A in 2023, spinning a 1.59 ERA for the St. Paul Saints in seven appearances at that level.

McMahon represented the Twins in Spring Training during 2023 but spent all professional seasons in the minor leagues. He holds a career 1.123 WHIP with 186 strikeouts in MiLB play.

He spent the most time in Double-A Wichita, making north of 50 appearances across the 2022 through 2024 seasons for the Wind Surge. McMahon recorded 57 strikeouts and completed four saves for Wichita last season.

The righty has been used in a variety of roles throughout his playing career. McMahon collected 13 saves in his MiLB tenure. He made 14 starts for the Texas State Bobcats in his final season of college baseball.

McMahon was a key figure at TSU in 2019, leading the Bobcats to their first-ever Sun Belt Conference Championship. He was drafted the ensuing May by the Washington Nationals in the 9th round of the MLB Amateur Draft.

He spent just one season in Washington’s organization before moving to Minnesota. McMahon progressed up five ranks of minor league baseball during his time with the Twins.

McMahon excelled after arriving within Minnesota’s farm system. He held a career 2.50 ERA for A-ball Fort Myers, then spun a phenomenal 1.19 ERA for High-A Cedar Rapids.The right-hander struck out 36 batters in 37.2 innings of work for the Kernels.

McMahon joins a Monarchs pitching staff that has excelled in the early season. Kansas City ranks first in the American Association in team ERA and team WHIP entering Sunday afternoon’s game with Winnipeg at 1:05 p.m.

Kansas City Monarchs Partner With Kansas City Kansas Community College

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Monarchs have announced a groundbreaking partnership with Kansas City Kansas Community College, making the institution the Official Education Partner of the Kansas City Monarchs.

“Kansas City Community College is an important part of the community we call home,” Monarchs owner Mark Brandmeyer said. “We’re excited to partner with a respected Kansas City, Kansas institution for the upcoming season!”

“The Kansas City Monarchs have quickly made an impact in the community. KCKCC is proud to partner with the team,” said KCKCC President Dr. Greg Mosier. “We look forward to collaborating on and off the field to promote our organizations, community and region.”

Founded in 1923, Kansas City Kansas Community College is a two-year public institution located within the city limits of Kansas City Kansas. The partnership represents another connection between the Monarchs and the Kansas City, Kansas community.

The Monarchs are the reigning champions of the American Association of Professional Baseball. The Monarchs’ season runs through August at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2024 will be their 21st season at Legends Field 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. This year, the Monarchs and the museum are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first Negro League World Series, won by the Monarchs in 1924.

Rutherford, Monarchs Erase Four-Run Deficit In Win

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By Cal Friedman

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Competitors don’t like losing; champions find a way. A dugout filled with competitors and defending champions led the Kansas City Monarchs back on Sunday afternoon.

The defending champions scored seven unanswered to clinch their first home series of the year, defeating the Winnipeg Goldeyes, 10-6, at Legends Field.

Kansas City trailed 6-2 in the fifth, but scored in each of their final four innings, including a four-run eighth. All three runs in the eighth scored with two outs. Hayden Jones hit a dramatic two-run home run to put the Monarchs in front.

“We know what our lineup can do,” Monarchs outfielder Blake Rutherford said. “We’re always in it. We can string some hits together … I feel like we’re never out of it.”

The former major leaguer got back to his old tricks at Legends Field. Rutherford drove in four runs, bringing his season total to a league-leading 14. The designated hitter detonated on an offspeed pitch for a two-run home run in the first inning.

“I was able to stay on the pitch and get it over the wall, it felt good,” Rutherford said.

The home run marked the third of the season for Rutherford, as well as the third straight game that Kansas City (6-3) scored multiple runs in the first inning.

He finished with a season-high four RBI in the win, including a sacrifice fly and a run-scoring single.

“I’m just trying to get good pitches to hit,” Rutherford said. “A bunch of guys are getting on base, I’m just trying to do my job and get it to the next guy.”

The Monarchs faced immediate adversity following, losing its starting pitcher and the lead in the ensuing half inning. The Goldeyes (3-7) stormed back with two RBI doubles to take a 3-2 lead.

Right-hander Hunter McMahon was forced into an early debut following an injury to KC starter Will McAffer. 

McMahon struck out two in 1.2 IP, surrendering one run. Keshawn Lynch knocked in Andy Armstrong in the fourth inning, followed up by a Rob Emery solo homer in the next inning, giving the Goldeyes a 6-2 lead.

The Monarchs responded a half inning later, Travis Swaggerty singling home Ross Adolph to cut the lead to three.

Swaggerty finished 3-for-5 with two RBI.

Frankie Tostado made an awesome first impression in this series, hitting four extra-base hits against the Goldeyes. The first baseman demolished a home run to left to bring the Winnipeg lead to one, 6-5 in the sixth.

The bottom of the eighth saw five straight hits with two outs. Jones’ go-ahead home run marked the Monarchs’ third long ball of the day.

“Hayden had an unbelievable swing on that,” Rutherford said. “He’s been grinding and working. He put a good swing on that ball and crushed it.”

The Monarchs’ bullpen held firm throughout the late innings. Nicolo Pinazzi and J.C. Keys (3-0) combined for seven strikeouts to hold Winnipeg at six runs. 

Kansas City continues its 10-game homestand tomorrow night against the East Division’s Kane County Cougars. Monday night is the first of three Bark In The Park Nights, register your dog and purchase tickets online at monarchsbaseball.com/BarkInThePark.

Web Gems, Timely Hits Propel Monarchs To Thrilling Win

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By Cal Friedman

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Frankie Tostado has been a well-respected first baseman throughout his professional career. From AA Richmond to AAA Rochester, he’s made splits, squeezes, and stretches look easy.

It was his defense, and bat, that propelled Kansas City from behind.

Tostado’s game-winning two-run double in the seventh and sparking a 3-5-4 double play in the eighth led the Kansas City Monarchs past the Winnipeg Goldeyes, 5-3, at Legends Field. 

The double play saw Tostado snap in front of reliever Zack Leban on a bunt attempt, launch a seed over to third baseman Cameron Cannon, who bulleted across the diamond to Channy Ortiz at first base.

“I had never done that before,” Tostado said. “I was just full-go, try to get that out at third.”

Tostado’s crucial bases-loaded knock down the first base line sent the Monarchs’ faithful into a frenzy.

The 26-year-old finished two-for-four with the two runs batted in in the win. Tostado is up to three doubles in two games against Winnipeg.

“I was looking for something up,” Tostado said. “I was able to see that ball up and hook it there.”

The Monarchs hung a crooked number in the first inning yet again Saturday night. Ross Adolph jumpstarted Kansas City with a sharply-hit triple down the first base line for his fourth extra-base hit this season.

Josh Bissonette and Blake Rutherford each recorded RBI singles to make it 2-0 Monarchs after one.

Starting pitcher Jackson Goddard got some brilliant help from his Monarchs’ teammates. Adolph and Cameron Cannon both made lunging plays in the top of the third, part of many web gems made by the Monarchs.

Winnipeg fought back for a second straight night and took the lead in the fifth. Miles Simington drilled a single to the outfield to score Max Murphy, making it 3-2 Goldeyes.

Kansas City showed its grit one half-inning later. Tucker Bradley scorched a second triple of the night to score Blake Rutherford from first base, tying the ballgame at three. 

Tostado clinched it for Kansas City two innings later, moving the Monarchs up two games to one in the series.

The Monarchs close their series with the Goldeyes tomorrow at 1:05 PM. The team will debut its new “Los Monarchs” uniforms, tickets are available at monarchsbaseball.com.

Big Sixth Inning The Difference As Monarchs Fall To Winnipeg

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Skydivers dropped from thousands of feet above before the game. Fireworks illuminated the night sky after the game, but a big sixth inning gave the Winnipeg Goldeyes the win over the Kansas City Monarchs at Legends Field. 

The Monarchs dropped the second game of their four-game set with the Winnipeg Goldeyes, 6-4, at Legends Field. All six Winnipeg runs came in the top of the sixth off three different Monarchs pitchers.

Former major leaguer Yefry Ramirez had his best stuff going early on for Kansas City. The right-hander struck out the side in the second inning and induced two inning-ending double plays in his first four frames.

Ramirez found cruise control his second time through the order, striking out a pair in the fifth inning. The 30-year-old closed with a season-high six strikeouts Friday night.

Monarchs (4-3) starters have now combined to throw 10-plus innings in this series, allowing just three earned runs.

Cameron Cannon picked up Ramirez’ solid start early, destroying a three-run home run over the left field wall in the first inning. Ross Adolph tacked on another run with a seeing-eye single in the fourth.

Cannon’s home run was his first for the club. The third baseman is up to four RBI in this series.

Winnipeg got all they needed in one frame, plating six runs off just two hits. Dayson Croes’ two-run single gave the Goldeyes (2-5) just their fourth win at Legends Field in two years.

The KC bullpen did their best to hold it down. Relievers Julian Garcia (1-1) and Connor Curlis combined for seven strikeouts over the final ten outs, but the Monarchs recorded just one base hit in the final four innings.

The Monarchs look for their fifth win of the season tomorrow at 6:35 PM. Tickets are available for Saturday’s home contest at monarchsbaseball.com.