KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Mother’s Day holds special meaning for Kansas City Royals players, many of whom credit their mothers as the backbone of their baseball journeys.
Bobby Witt Jr., son of former major leaguer Bobby Witt, said his mother was the foundation of his family.
“Yeah, my dad was there- he played in the big leagues, but my mom’s the backbone of the family. She’s the reason- I feel like- I’m here,” Witt said.
St. Joe native Noah Cameron said his mother remains his biggest supporter.
“She’s always my best friend, she’s always been there- the number-1 fan. Her and my dad fight ‘who’s the number-1 fan?’” Cameron said while laughing.
Mothers provided rides, coaching and support
Several players recalled their mothers driving them to practices and games while their fathers traveled for baseball careers.
Royals announcer Ryan Lefebvre, whose father played, coached and managed in the major leagues, said his mother handled the logistics of his youth baseball career.
“She was organizing my rides to games and my practices,” Lefebvre said.
Michael Massey said his mother was hands-on in his development.
“Growing up, she was the one taking me to practices and driving me around- half the time throwing to me in the backyard,” Massey said.
Lane Thomas said his mother’s commitment to youth baseball made his career possible.
“You know, when it was just a kids game and all the practices and games and stuff growing up and we appreciate it and it wouldn’t have been possible without them doing that,” the outfielder said.
Former Royals closer Jeff Montgomery said his mother sometimes served as his “catcher and long-toss partner.” He said sending her a game ball after a Mother’s Day “save” meant a lot to her.
First-time mothers celebrated
Several Royals players with new babies at home said this Mother’s Day was special for their wives.
Daniel Lynch said his wife deserves recognition.
“It’s awesome to celebrate her- she’s an amazing mother and she deserves all of it,” Lynch said.
Cole Ragans said his wife is celebrating her first Mother’s Day with a daughter on the way.
“Got a little girl on the way, so the first Mother’s day for my wife. We’re excited,” Ragans said.
Vinnie Pasquantino said Mother’s Day conversations are less stressful than baseball talks with his father. He said he appreciates wearing the special pink Mother’s Day gear to honor his parents’ sacrifices.
John Schreiber said mothers can be both the biggest fan and biggest critic, but Jac Caglianone said his mother is “never critical and goes with the flow.”
Manager Matt Quatraro lost his mother two years ago. He said he remembers how she celebrated when he reached the major leagues as a coach.
“When I got my first big league coaching job- having lost my dad the year before- how excited she was for that,” Quatraro said.
Every single Royals player or coach seems to agree that Mother’s Day is one of the season’s biggest days.
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