KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals catcher Salvador Perez, a nine-time All-Star, delighted a group of kids in Kansas City, Kansas, when he spontaneously joined their Wiffle ball game on his day off. Dressed casually in a long-sleeve T-shirt and shorts, Perez surprised the children by asking to play with them after spotting them playing in a backyard.
The heartwarming moment was captured on social media by one of the kids' mothers, Lesley Lard, who shared a video of Perez taking swings and running the bases with the youngsters. Perez, known for his fan-friendly demeanor, often goes the extra mile to interact with fans and is a beloved figure in Kansas City.
Manager Matt Quatraro praised Perez for creating lasting memories for the kids, emphasizing the special nature of the impromptu game. Perez, a native of Venezuela, shared that while he didn't play Wiffle ball growing up, he enjoyed neighborhood pickup games. The kids were using a variation of Wiffle ball called Blitzball, which proved challenging even for the seasoned MLB player.
Perez, having a standout season with a .274 batting average, 22 home runs, and 85 RBIs, has been instrumental in the Royals' push for a playoff spot. His on-field success is matched by his off-field generosity, as he relishes opportunities to engage with fans, especially children.
Reflecting on the experience, Perez expressed his joy in bringing smiles to the young fans' faces, highlighting the importance of connecting with the community. As a father of three, Perez values these interactions and recognizes the impact they can have on fans of all ages.
Overall, Perez's spontaneous Wiffle ball game exemplifies his genuine and approachable nature, endearing him to fans both on and off the field.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
