More than 4,700 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended Mormon Family Night at Kauffman Stadium to cheer for their home team and reigning Major League Baseball champions, the Kansas City Royals. The game against the Los Angeles Angels was a special event at Kauffman Stadium, dubbed “Christmas in July.”
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In a town known for tailgating, about 1,000 Latter-day Saints created an energetic atmosphere with pregame festivities that included performances by BYU–Idaho’s Dance Alliance and an appearance from Sluggerrr, the Kansas City Royals’ official mascot. The bright sounds of live Polynesian music and dancing filled the air as dancers entertained crowds. Families enjoyed assorted games and activities together, while Summer Santa made a visit to the children who each hoped to be the winner of a baseball autographed by Royals’ players.
Alex Boye, gospel and pop artist and former soloist with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, sang the national anthem. Tammy Reid threw the first pitch to her husband, Andy Reid, National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs head coach; they are members of the Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
Caleb Jones, age 11, a Latter-day Saint in Liberty, Missouri, shouted an enthusiastic “Play Ball” in front of a packed stadium, eager to watch the Royals battle the Los Angeles Angels.
Jeremiah Morgan, president of the Liberty Missouri Stake (similar to a diocese), said, “It is exciting to gather together as members of the Church, not only for fellowship and family fun, but to be strengthened by even the sight of so many members. We are grateful to the Royals organization for making this wonderful night possible.”
The festivities actually began on Sunday evening, when 1,300 members and friends gathered in the Liberty Missouri Stake Center for a fireside (religious meeting) presented by Alex Boye. With music and humor, Boye shared the story of how he overcame homelessness as a youth through accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ. Cynthia McDavitt, coordinating council director of public affairs, said, “Hearing Alex tell the story of how he went from being a homeless youth on the streets of London to finding hope and courage through the gospel helped me to understand that I can overcome my own challenges, whatever they may be, through living the gospel.”
With more than 33,000 members in the Greater Kansas City area, local Church leaders look forward to making Mormon Family Night at Kauffman Stadium an annual event.