Matt Hall

ERA King Matt Hall Returns To Monarchs As Pitching Coach

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Matt Hall

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Matt Hall has pitched just about everywhere, from Lee’s Summit West to Missouri State to the major leagues. But he’s always had a soft spot for the Kansas City Monarchs. 

The former Tigers and Red Sox lefty is returning to the Monarchs as their pitching coach for 2025, the Monarchs announced Friday. 

2025 will be Hall’s fifth season with the organization. He owns two championship rings during his time in Kansas City: in 2021 as a player and in 2023 as pitching coach. 

“It’s grown to be like family,” Hall said about his time with the Monarchs. “Now we get to create more memories.”

Hall is the American Association’s single-season ERA king, putting up an untouchable 1.10 mark in 2022 as the Monarchs’ ace of staff. He transitioned to a coaching role the following season, though he made six starts for the Monarchs toward the end of 2024.

“I’m going to try to help with the mental side,” Hall said. “These kids nowadays, they all have fantastic stuff. If there’s any way I can help and improve somebody, I’ll do my best.”

The Monarchs have signed three pitchers to their 2025 roster so far, all returners from a season ago. They include Jeff Hakanson, Yefri Del Rosario and Junior Cerda.

The four-time league champion Monarchs have earned a reputation for advancing pitching talent. Since manager Joe Calfapietra arrived in 2017, the Monarchs have had more player contracts transferred to MLB organizations than any other AAPB team. 

That includes three pitchers in 2024. Dalton Moats was picked up by the Cubs organization, Grant Gavin headed to the Reds, and Michael Watson signed with the Cardinals. Hall himself signed with the Giants organization during the 2022 season. 

“At the end of the day, it’s about fulfilling your dream,” Hall said. “Any time you can get that done for somebody, it’s a great feeling. And Joe is honestly the best at it.”

“Matt Hall is a guy that we know, we trust, that’s been around a couple championship teams,” Calfapietra said of Hall. “We feel very good having him around and feel very comfortable in the clubhouse.”

The Monarchs open their 2025 season on May 9 from Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. Check out their full schedule here. 

Ted Lasso Night

Ted Lasso Night: Monarchs To Rebrand As AFC Richmond Greyhounds June 28

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Ted Lasso Night

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – “Baseball is life!” The Kansas City Monarchs and Hollywood Casino are teaming up for Ted Lasso Night at Legends Field on Saturday, June 28.

In honor of the smash hit Apple TV sitcom, the four-time league champion Monarchs will re-brand as the AFC Richmond Greyhounds for the game against the Gary SouthShore RailCats. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., so don’t “be a goldfish” and remember the date!

Tickets to Ted Lasso Night are on sale now by clicking here or by calling the Monarchs at 913-328-5618. Tickets start at $15 plus fees and parking is free!

Fans can compete in a Ted Lasso lookalike contest, with emphasis on mustache, of course. Fans are encouraged to “be curious, not judgmental” when seeing others’ costumes.

The Monarchs will also host a Ted Lasso trivia contest during the game, with special prizes available to winners. Whether you’ve got the knowledge of Trent Crimm or still figuring out the offsides rule, everyone has a chance to win!

Clips from the show will play all game long, making an environment that would make even Roy Kent smile!

After the game, fans can stick around for autographs from their favorite players as part of Signature Saturdays. After all, the Monarchs “don’t just settle for fine” when it comes to making their fans happy!

So grab a pint, remember to Believe, and be a part of a night more perfect than Ted’s homemade biscuit recipe. Get your tickets now!

The night extends the Monarchs’ partnership with Hollywood Casino. Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway is located minutes from Legends Field, featuring traditional reel and video slots, vide poker and all the best table games.

“We’re proud to be Ted Lasso’s hometown, and we can’t wait to celebrate this show with our great fans,” Monarchs owner Mark Brandmeyer said. “We’re thrilled to have Hollywood Casino as a partner, not just for this great night, but for their season-long support of Monarchs baseball.”

The Monarchs begin their 2025 season on May 9 at Legends Field in Kansas City Kansas. 10 players have signed on to the Monarchs’ 2025 roster, including five returners from last year’s squad. Check out the team’s full schedule here.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2025 will be their 22nd 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.

About Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway

Welcome to Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, where you’ll find over 1,500 thrilling slot machines, a live Poker Room, ESPN BET your new game day hangout, and a variety of Table Games including Blackjack, Double Deck Blackjack, Craps, Crapless Craps, Roulette, Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Pai Gow Poker, High Card Flush and Three Card Poker. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of our restaurants, including Final Cut steakhouse, Marquee Café and Turn 2, which sports spectacular views of the Kansas Speedway. Must be 21 to enter Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, including restaurants. It is Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway’s policy that persons enrolled in self-exclusion programs in jurisdictions in which Penn Entertainment operates or who have been otherwise excluded from the participating property may not enter the facility. All games are owned and operated by The Kansas Lottery.

 

Yefri Del Rosario Junior Cerda

Monarchs Re-Sign Two Key Relievers

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Two important pieces of the Kansas City Monarchs’ pitching staff are returning for 2025. Yefri Del Rosario and Junior Cerda have both re-signed with the team, the Monarchs announced Friday.

Both pitchers joined the Monarchs late in the 2024 season. Cerda posted a 3.00 ERA over eight appearances, while Del Rosario struck out 10 batters in 9.2 innings of work.

The four-time league champion Monarchs have signed 10 players to their roster for the upcoming season, which begins May 9 from Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. See the team’s full roster here.

Del Rosario, 25, is a former Royals prospect who reached Triple-A in 2022. His most recent affiliated action came with Double-A Northwest Arkansas in 2023, where he earned a 3.12 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 39 relief outings while striking out 11.9 batters per nine innings.

“We think we have something special in Yefri Del Rosario,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He has late life on his secondary pitches that is different than most. He definitely has strikeout potential, and is a fearless competitor. We’re looking forward to welcoming him back.”

Born in Miches, Dominican Republic, Del Rosario initially signed with the Atlanta Braves in July 2016. He was one of 13 Atlanta prospects who became free agents in November 2017 after the Braves were penalized for violating international signing rules. The Royals signed him in December 2017.

Del Rosario pitched nine games at the Triple-A level in 2022, posting a 2.70 ERA.

Cerda is a former Diamondbacks prospect who reached High-A in 2024. The 24-year-old owns a 4.15 ERA and 11.1 K/9 over 71 affiliated appearances, all but four in relief.

Born in Tenares, Dominican Republic, Cerda provided a boost to the Monarchs’ bullpen down the stretch in 2024. He allowed zero hits in five of his eight appearances, including a four-strikeout outing on August 21 at Sioux City.

“Junior did really well for us last season,” Calfapietra said. “He’s eager to pitch, always took the ball. He’s going to come in hungry, and understands our program. He checks a lot of boxes for us.”

The Monarchs have signed five returning players from their 2024 roster, including pitcher Jeff Hakanson, outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz, and shortstop Josh Bissonette.

Disney Night August 2nd

Disney Night Is Back At Monarchs Baseball

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Disney Night August 2nd

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Kansas City Monarchs are inviting fans to Be Our Guest at one of our biggest nights of the year! Disney Night at Legends Field is back for 2025.

Disney Night 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, August 2 at 6:35 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at MonarchsBaseball.com. This is your chance to make Monarchs baseball Part of Your World, so don’t Let It Go to waste!

Disney Night will feature character appearances from your favorite Disney stories, interacting with fans young and old all game long. They’ll transform Legends Field into a Whole New World of Disney fun!

Fans are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Disney character. They can even take part in an in-game costume parade, so make sure to Go The Distance with your look!

New for 2025, fans can take part in a Disney trivia contest to win themed prizes. So Be Prepared to put your Disney knowledge to the test!

After the game, don’t miss postgame player autographs from the whole team. It’s a Reflection of How Far We’ll Go to make the night great for our fans.

So whether you’re a longtime fan or it’s the First Time in Forever, come out to Legends Field on August 2 for Disney Night! Get tickets here.

The Monarchs open their 2025 season on Friday, May 9 from Kansas City, Kansas. Check out the Monarchs’ full schedule here.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2025 will be their 22nd 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.

 

JHAILYN ORTIZ

Big-Time Slugger Ortiz Returns To Monarchs

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Kansas City Monarchs’ hardest hitter is coming back. 26-year-old slugger Jhailyn Ortiz is returning to the club for 2025.

The former Phillies top prospect earned an eye-popping .342 batting average and .935 OPS over 21 games with Kansas City in 2024. An impressive 91 mph average exit velocity fueled that production.

“I think Jhailyn Ortiz is going to be a great signing for us,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “I really feel he had an ‘it’ factor for us last season. He was impactful on and off the field, in the clubhouse. I know we only had him for a little bit of time, but I felt that there was something special with him.”

The Monarchs open their 2025 season on Friday, May 9 from Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas.

Ortiz signed with the Monarchs before the 2024 season began, but didn’t debut with the club until August 10 due to visa issues.

The corner outfielder and first baseman made an immediate impact with the Monarchs, blasting four home runs and driving in 12 over his 21-game stint with the team.

Born in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, Ortiz arrives in Kansas City after seven seasons in the Phillies’ system, two of which netted league All-Star honors. He also played in big-league spring training for four straight seasons, most recently in 2023.

A top international signing, Ortiz was ranked the Phillies’ No. 7 prospect in 2018 by Baseball America.

Ortiz split 2023 between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He posted a .381 on-base percentage and .862 OPS in 32 Triple-A games that season.

Ortiz is the eighth player and seventh position player to sign with the Monarchs for 2025. He’s one of three returning players from last season, including shortstop Josh Bissonette and closer Jeff Hakanson.

For more on the Monarchs, visit MonarchsBaseball.com.

Teacher Appreciation Night Graphic

Monarchs Partner With Local Schools For Teacher Appreciation Night

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Teacher Appreciation Night Graphic

KANSAS CITY Kan. — The Kansas City Monarchs are stepping up to the plate to help local schools. The four-time league champions have announced the brand-new Teacher Appreciation Night on Saturday, May 10 at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas.

Schools participating in Teacher Appreciation Night can purchase tickets to the Monarchs’ 6:35 p.m. game against the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Each participating school will be given a special promo code, so fans can show their school pride as they purchase. For every ticket sold as part of the fundraiser, the Monarchs will donate $5 to the participating school.

“Our schools are part of what make our Kansas City community so special,” Monarchs owner Mark Brandmeyer said. “We’re incredibly excited about this fundraiser and encourage schools to join in as we honor educators around the metro!”

Any school in the Kansas City metro area is welcome to participate. Interested parties can call the Monarchs at 913-328-5618.

The Monarchs have already partnered up with several local schools and are actively working to make the fundraiser as large as possible.

The 2025 Kansas City Monarchs season starts May 9 from Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. See the team’s full schedule here.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2025 will be their 22nd 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.

Kansas City Monarchs Single-Game Tickets

Kansas City Monarchs Single-Game Tickets Now On Sale

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – For Kansas City Monarchs fans, the wait is over. 2025 Monarchs single-game tickets are officially on sale.

Fans can now buy tickets for some of the biggest games on the Monarchs’ schedule, including Opening Night May 9, the Fourth of July, and Fireworks Fridays.

Tickets are available at Tickets.MonarchsBaseball.com or by calling 913-328-5618.

The Monarchs’ 2025 schedule is loaded with promotions and giveaways. Opening Night features a Satchel Paige bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,500 fans in attendance. Fireworks Fridays are back, with the Monarchs’ famous display following all Friday home games in 2025.

More Monarchs promotions, including jersey raffles, unique giveaway options and community fundraising efforts, will be announced over the next several weeks.

Monarchs tickets remain one of the most affordable options to enjoy live sports in Kansas City. Ticket prices start at $15 plus fees with free parking for all fans.

May 9 will be the first of 50 home games for the Monarchs in 2025, including 27 weekend matchups (Friday-Sunday). The schedule also features home games on July 4 and 5, as well as Labor Day. The Monarchs will host Fourth of July at Legends Field for the first time since 2023.

Kansas City is aiming for its second title in three years in the 12-team American Association of Professional Baseball. 10 of the Monarchs’ 11 league mates will make a trip to Legends Field in 2025, including all five of the Monarchs’ opponents in the West Division.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2025 will be their 22nd 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.

Rixon Wingrove

Monarchs Sign Young Bats Wingrove, Gonzalez

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A pair of 24-year-old hitters are joining the Kansas City Monarchs. Power bat Rixon Wingrove and utility infielder Alvaro Gonzalez have signed with the four-time league champions for 2025, the Monarchs announced Friday.

Wingrove, a lefty-hitting first baseman, had a star turn representing Australia at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The Newcastle, New South Wales native drove in seven runs over five games in that tournament.

Wingrove joins fellow Australian Robbie Glendinning on the Monarchs’ roster. Glendinning and Wingrove were teammates in the 2023 WBC and 2024 WBSC Premier12.

“Rixon Wingrove is an exciting signing for us,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He provides real power from the left side, and has high-level international experience. We feel really good about adding him to our team.”

Born in Valencia, Venezuela, Gonzalez has played four infield positions in his affiliated career, including three in 2024 alone. A Tigers prospect from 2018 to 2024, he played 10 games at the Triple-A level last season, posting a .250 batting average.

“We have a very sound baseball player with Alvaro,” Calfapietra said. “He’s had a long and impressive career with Detroit’s system, and gives us a lot of flexibility with his ability to play multiple positions. We’re happy to add him to our roster.”

The moves complete a busy week for the Monarchs, who re-signed shortstop Josh Bissonette and saw 2024 outfielder Travis Swaggerty head to the Mets organization.

The Monarchs open their 2025 season on May 9 from Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. Tickets to Opening Night are on sale now at MonarchsBaseball.com.

Wingrove played his first MiLB game at 18 years old in the Phillies system in 2018. He broke into Single-A in 2021 and made his High-A debut the following season.

The Aussie played 15 games with Double-A Reading in 2023, to date his highest affiliated level. Wingrove owns 58 career home runs across six minor league seasons.

Wingrove began 2024 with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League. After a hot start (.931 OPS over 18 games) he signed with the Twins organization and finished the year in High-A.

In the North American winters, Wingrove has played in the Australian Baseball League for seven of the past eight seasons. Entering Friday he sports a .269/.322/.444/.767 slash line over 29 games with Adelaide in the 2024-25 campaign.

Gonzalez has spent his entire pro career with the Tigers entering 2025. He made his pro debut in 2018 as a 17-year-old.

The switch-hitter has two stints with Triple-A Toledo in his career. He joined the Mud Hens for a brief three-game stint in 2023 and spent another 10 games there in the 2024 season. The Tigers released him on August 7.

For more on the Monarchs, visit MonarchsBaseball.com.

Travis Swaggerty

Monarchs Star Swaggerty Signs With Mets

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — One of the Kansas City Monarchs’ core players from 2024 is heading to an MLB organization. Outfielder Travis Swaggerty has signed with the New York Mets organization. 

The former major leaguer with the Pittsburgh Pirates was a fixture of the Monarchs’ lineup for much of 2024, using his all-around skills to impact the game.

Swaggerty is the fifth Monarch to sign with an MLB organization since the start of the 2024 season. The list includes pitchers Dalton Moats (Cubs), Grant Gavin (Reds) and Michael Watson (Cardinals), as well as outfielder Moises Gomez, who signed with the Padres earlier this winter. 

“We at the Monarchs are very excited about Travis Swaggerty signing with the New York Mets,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “Any time our players get an opportunity to sign back with a major league affiliate we are extremely excited. Travis signed with our club to get an opportunity to move on, and as an organization we are very happy when our players get that opportunity.”

The Monarchs open their 2025 season on May 9 at Legends Field in Kansas City Kansas. Opening Night tickets are on sale now at MonarchsBaseball.com.

The Louisiana native posted a .378 on-base percentage and .800 OPS over 73 games in 2024 while leading the Monarchs with 46 walks. He stole 20 bases while only being caught three times, and earned the No. 1 spot on the SportsCenter Top 10 for an over-the-wall catch in right field. 

The Pirates chose Swaggerty with the No. 10 overall pick of the 2018 MLB draft after an outstanding college career at South Alabama, where he was named first-team All-Sun Belt twice.

Swaggerty reached Triple-A in 2021 and made his MLB debut in 2022, playing five games at the highest level. He owns a .250/.341/.388/.729 career slash across five seasons of affiliated minor league baseball.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2025 will be their 22nd 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.

Josh Bissonette

Dependable Shortstop Bissonette Re-Signs With Monarchs

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Josh Bissonette

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – One of the Kansas City Monarchs’ most important players is back for 2025. Josh Bissonette, who served as the team’s everyday shortstop a season ago, has re-signed with the club, the Monarchs announced Wednesday.

Bissonette was a fixture of the Monarchs’ lineup in 2024, playing in 93 of the team’s 99 games, all at shortstop. He earned a .279 batting average and .350 on-base percentage while playing solid defense at short throughout the season. He finished 2024 on a hot streak, hitting .429 over his last seven games.

“We’re very excited to have Josh Bissonette back,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He was a key part of our ball club last year, not only on the field, but off the field. We are looking for even more exciting things out of him this upcoming season.”

The four-time league champion Monarchs open their 2025 season on May 9 from Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. Tickets to Opening Night, which features a Satchel Paige bobblehead giveaway, are on sale now at MonarchsBaseball.com.

Bissonette, 28, joined the Monarchs in 2024 from the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, where he played with Triple-A Indianapolis in 2023. The Pirates drafted him in the 31st round in 2019 after a four-year career at Baylor University. Bissonette was named Honorable Mention All-Big 12 while at Baylor, playing in three NCAA regionals.

A contact hitter, Bissonette set career highs in 2024 in games, hits, RBIs, walks and on-base percentage.

Bissonette is the fifth player to sign with the Monarchs for the upcoming season, joining infielders Maxwell Costes and Robbie Glendinning, catcher Joshuan Sandoval, and relief pitcher Jeff Hakanson. Hakanson also suited up for the Monarchs in 2024.

For more on the Monarchs, visit MonarchsBaseball.com.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2025 will be their 22nd 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.