Royals fans show support for GM Moore's C You in the Major Leagues foundation
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Royals general manager Dayton Moore and his C You in the Major Leagues foundation hosted the First Pitch luncheon Wednesday afternoon, presented by FOX Sports Kansas City.
The luncheon featured appearances from Royals players, coaches and front office staff members, a silent auction and a live auction with eight unique items up for bid.
C You in the Major Leagues was founded by Moore to benefit four major bases: Youth baseball, families in crisis, education and faith-based programs and organizations.
"(Those) things that are kind of near and dear to my heart, and this community has been so special and so supportive that we want to make sure we're doing our part to come alongside some folks who may need some assistance," Moore said.
The foundation is built on a series of attributes that shape character and leadership: Care, competitor, character, coach, composure, confidence, commitment, comprehension, concentration and courage.
Moore said he would eventually like to open a baseball academy in the foundation's name to provide another place for Kansas City's youth to play baseball.
"That's the ultimate dream of mine," Moore said. "I've always wanted to have a baseball academy. Hopefully, one day, we'll be able to have the C You in the Major Leagues baseball academies somewhere here in Kansas City and provide an opportunity for youth to play this game and play it the right way.
"And use baseball as a platform to grow young people as leaders, because I believe the game has so many life lessons that can share with players and help them grow up to be great husbands and great fathers and great men."
While Moore said C You in the Major Leagues does not have another large event like the First Pitch luncheon scheduled, the foundation will partner with the Jewish Community Center to run baseball camps and help with the staffing and content of the camps.
The luncheon, which was attended to by hundreds of Royals fans, provided just one more example of the city's support of the 2014 American League champions.
"We wouldn't have major league baseball here if it weren't for our great fans," Moore said. "It's a deep tradition, deep history the Kansas City Royals have in this community. The fans have the same history and the same passion of following and supporting this team."
You can follow Matthew DeFranks on Twitter at @MDeFranks or email him at matthew.defranks@gmail.com.
