KC Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. is answering call to Play Ball in more ways than one
Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. fell in love with baseball at a young age.
Game days were his favorite.
Witt would be in full uniform hours before a game. He lived for small moments: Running onto the field and interacting with his teammates fueled his passion.
Today, as a major-league shortstop and one of the best players in the game, Witt channels that joy into his work on (and off) the field. On Monday, Major League Baseball made Witt its first “Play Ball Ambassador.”
And the role is right up his alley: Inspire kids.
“It’s just special,” Witt said, “and this is why you play the game and why you do it.”
MLB has multiple initiatives geared toward bringing baseball and softball to various communities. In recent years, all 30 major-league teams have participated in “Play Ball Weekend,” showcasing the initiative to a broader audience.
This season, as a Play Ball Ambassador, Witt will share insights into youth sports during a weekly show with MLB Play Ball host AJ Andrews.
“We went over it in spring training and got to do a lot of it,” Witt said of the episodes.
Choosing Witt for the role is smart business by MLB. He’s beloved among young athletes, especially in Kansas City. Countless kids wear his No. 7 jersey to Royals games at Kauffman Stadium and around town.
“For Bobby to be the face of that initiative, and knowing who he is as a person and how he is going to represent himself and us, that is really cool,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “As a parent, you want somebody to look up to like that. You want your kids to develop to be the person that he is, that’s a win in life.”
Witt said he didn’t hesitate when he was asked to be part of the program.
“Playing ball is something that I always wanted to do,” Witt said. He noted that he was ready to “give back in any shape or form. But being able to to do it, enjoy it and have fun seeing the kids and everyone enjoy it, I’m really excited and look forward to what’s to come.”
Witt received the news that he’d be the first Play Ball Ambassador ahead of the Royals’ Monday evening exhibition against the Rangers. MLB made the announcement after Witt had met with a room full of youngsters from across the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Last season the Colleyville, Texas native finished second in the American League MVP Award voting. Another one of his biggest accomplishments was making the AL All-Star team for the first time.
Witt played in his first Midsummer Classic in front of family and friends at Globe Life Field, site of two final preseason games this week against the Rangers. He also participated in the Home Run Derby.
Being back in Texas made him think of his upbringing and love for the game.
“I loved being outside and I loved just playing ball,” he said. “It was something that made me go out and get out of my comfort zone. I was always a shy kid, and so I was just in a little shell.
“But whenever I played baseball it kind of got me out of my shell, and I was able to meet new people, go out and explore. And here I am today.”
Like they were for All-Star weekend, members of Witt’s family were on hand for Monday’s MLB Play Ball announcement. His sister, Shaley Thomas — who is married to Rangers outfielder Cody Thomas — was among those congratulating him afterward.
Both Witt and Thomas have fond memories of baseball in their youth. Witt’s dad played major-league ball and there was never a moment when anyone missed a game.
“That’s what we want to do with our family, because it’s so big in baseball,” Witt said. “We also want to give back because of the resources that we have and the experiences that we have.”
With the Royals playing the Rangers on Monday and Tuesday, Witt was looking forward to having another chance to take the field in front of his loved ones.
“It’s a blessing to here with this opportunity,” he said, “and we are just very grateful.”
This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 5:30 AM with the headline "KC Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. is answering call to Play Ball in more ways than one."
