Royals Celebrate Achievements and Cultural Milestones at Annual Awards Ceremony
In Surprise, Arizona, the Kansas City Royals organization gathered for a special day of recognition and celebration. The entire Royals family, from Minor Leaguers to Major League players, filled the batting cages to honor achievements both on and off the field from the past year.
This year’s ceremony took place earlier than usual to accommodate players heading to the World Baseball Classic, ensuring everyone could be part of the festivities. It’s a testament to the team’s commitment to fostering a strong, inclusive culture.
J.J. Picollo, the Royals’ president of baseball operations and general manager, emphasized the importance of celebrating individual accomplishments within the team framework.
“It’s just a reminder of how strong our culture is, which we take a lot of pride in,” Picollo said. “There are times when we need to celebrate individual accomplishments, and this day is one of them.”
The event, known as Futures Night, is a nod to both the past and the future of the Royals. CEO and chairman John Sherman highlighted this connection: “We talked about legends like Mike Sweeney, George Brett, and Reggie Sanders.
When I think about the future, I’m kind of staring at it here. An army of baseball players, all aspiring to be big leaguers.”
The ceremony recognized standout players and staff from each Minor League affiliate, alongside several special awards:
- Matt Minker Award: Massiel Rodriguez, manager of Dominican Republic Operations, for outstanding contribution as a Minor League affiliate employee.
- Dick Howser Award: Jesús Delgado, pitching coach for the ACL Royals, for his impact on player development.
- Carlos Fortuna Award: Juan Martínez, for his dedication to improving his English and exemplifying leadership, work ethic, and discipline.
A highlight of the event was the recognition of language program graduates. Six players completed the Royals’ language program, including four from the English program: Ricardo (Cuba), Gabriel Silva (Venezuela), Victor Peña (Dominican Republic), and Jesus Rios (Mexico). Notably, Brandon Herbold (Netherlands) and Hyungchan Um (Korea) became the first international players to graduate from the Spanish program, with Um achieving the remarkable feat of graduating from both the English and Spanish programs.
Monica Ramirez, the Royals’ education/ESL and Latin American initiatives coordinator, presented the language certificates, underscoring the importance of cultural integration and personal growth. Sherman reflected on the significance of these achievements: “Think about how hard it is to become a Major League Baseball player.
Now think about doing that while learning a new language and assimilating into a new culture. But it’s much more than that: You bring your culture to us, too, and we’re all better for it.”
The Royals’ awards ceremony not only celebrated athletic achievements but also highlighted the organization’s commitment to cultural diversity and personal development, setting a strong foundation for the future.