KANSAS CITY URBAN YOUTH ACADEMY

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

MISSIONEMPOWERING KANSAS CITY’S

UNDERSERVED YOUTH THROUGH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL,

AS WELL AS ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES,

TO BE THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW.

The purpose of the Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy is to provide our community’s youth with a dual opportunity, to develop

into high-character members of society and at the same time learn the skills of our national pastime.

As an Academy, we are committed to providing a positive environment for our youth. We will educate our Academy participants

on what it means to be a “professional” on and off the field, while surrounding them with coaches, mentors and role models who can teach them how to play the games of baseball and softball while

serving as examples of good citizenship.

Through our baseball and softball-focused training, education, and character development programs, we will build a strong foundation

for Academy participants, based on work ethic, leadership, responsibility, accountability, and moral principles. This foundation will allow Academy

participants to acquire that unwavering strength of purpose that is the keynote of all individual success.

SANDLOT LEAGUEThe Sandlot League was a fun, yet instructional and developmental T-Ball/Machine Pitch league to introduce approximately 120 boys and girls, ages 6-9, in the urban core to the game of baseball/softball. The program ran

for eight weeks in June and July in the summer of 2018, with practices on Wednesdays and games on Saturdays.

We followed the summer Sandlot League with Sandlot 2.0 in the fall of 2018. The fall program ran for four weeks in October for 40 athletes. We built off of the summer’s results, and began to introduce players to more advanced instruction. The Sandlot program will be continued in the Spring of 2019.

MLB ALL-STAR WEEK July brought about an opportunity to travel to the Washington D.C. with some our male and female student-athletes. Baseball and softball teams were selected to represent the KCUYA at the inaugural Commissioner’s

Cup and Jennie Finch Classic. The tournaments were a part of the MLB All-Star Game Weekend. The KCUYA had 15 boys and 12 girls, ages 14-17, from the urban Kansas City area, who had the ability to showcase

their talent during a four-day tournament against teams from all over the United States and Puerto Rico. For some of the athletes, it was their first trip outside

of the Greater Kansas City Area, their first time on a plane or first MLB game. The student-athletes were able to create lasting

relationships and memories not only through the competition on the field but the full experiences of the opportunity.

The Urban Youth Academy is great place with incredible energy. I know that the staff at UYA is there to help me with school work, athletics or even

if I just need someone to talk to.Carmen

Jennie Finch Classic team member

RIBBON CUTTING AND GRAND OPENINGThe KCUYA was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 29, 2018, Royals Opening Day. The celebration

continued into the weekend with a Grand Opening Community Open House on Saturday, March 31, 2018. The KCUYA was

open for the community to tour, watch baseball and softball games, and join in an array of family-friendly activities.

SUMMER CAMPS The C You In The Majors Camp provided 50 athletes with the opportunity to learn the game from the Royals front office staff as well as the KCUYA staff. Players were given skill development and instruction as well as the

Foundations’ core values on leadership development.

Another community partnership with KC Parks produced the KCUYA’s Parks Camp Program. Each week a different group of

youth would travel to the KCUYA to learn baseball and softball skills along with being introduced to sports analytics. Eight different

KC Parks facilities were represented, and more than 250 students were served in this eight-week program.

Also, in July 2018, professional softball players from the USSSA Pride and Aussie Spirit teamed up to run a clinic at the KCUYA.

Instructors included Bianka Bell, Nicole Pendley and Paige Parker.

CLINICS COLLEGE SOFTBALL SERIES

In January 2018, the KCUYA partnered with nine local colleges, allowing them to hold a winter practice in the indoor facility and run a youth clinic after their practice with KCUYA athletes. The first clinic drew in about five young softball players. By the final clinic, approximately 40 athletes were

in attendance. This also helped us build a volunteer database with the local student-athletes.

COACHES CLINICSThe KCUYA continued to focus on youth development by hosting a

four-part series of coaches clinics for those who had a desire to coach in the Sandlot League and local RBI and recreational programs

throughout the city. Coaches were given instruction on how to instruct their athletes by KCUYA staff and

Royals Alumni, including Mike Macfarlane and Rod Myers. Topics were hitting, catching, pitching, and practice planning.

More than 20 coaches were in attendance weekly.

PITCHING CLINICSThe pitching clinic series was a part of the fall calendar for both softball

and baseball. Forty athletes ages 10-12 had a four-week series, during which they were taught foundational principles of pitching mechanics

and arm care. Each session enhanced the previous week’s session so that students would be prepared to compete in a game environment.

CATCHING CLINICSThe winter program included a catching clinic series. This four-week

series had 36 participants who learned the foundational skills for playing the position of catcher in baseball and softball. Each week the participants

gained another skill to enhance the previous week’s learned skill. Skills taught included proper stance, receiving the ball, blocking the ball and

proper footwork and arm mechanics for throwing to the bases.

YOUTH ELITE TRAINING Fall ushered in a new program called Youth Elite Training. The YET

program is designed to identify athletes who have the skills and desire to compete on a more competitive level. Each week, the program served about 60 boys ages 9-12, 75 boys ages 13-18, as well as 23 girls ages 9-18.

The youth participated in a series of hitting, fielding, and base running drills to progress as baseball and softball athletes. Each

student-athlete was evaluated on their natural ability to run, throw, and hit so that they would be properly grouped with those of similar

ability for maximum growth potential. Those who excel in the program will have the opportunity to compete for positions on the STICKS (Support Towards Inner City Kids) travel team program. Those who are not ready for that program continue to develop and will be helped with placement

on teams that compete in local leagues.

BADGES & BASEBALL The KCUYA hosted Baseball and Badges as a partnership

with the I Am King Foundation and the KCMO RBI Kings. Baseball and Badges allowed KCMO police officers to take student-athletes

through various drills. This event allowed the student-athletes to know officers who patrol their community and to see them as public servants

who are friends. More than 100 athletes participated in this event.

IOWA VS. MISSOURI STATE GAME College-level baseball between the University of Iowa and Missouri State

University allowed the Academy’s student-athletes, as well as the community, to see baseball played at a high level. The game

was attended by more than 300 fans.

SPRING TRAINING TRIP Eight male student-athletes who have participated in the KCMO and

Kansas RBI programs were granted an all-expenses paid trip to Surprise, Arizona to the Spring Training home of the Kansas City Royals. The student-athletes had access to the Major League and Minor League

Coaching Staffs for skill and personal development. The athletes were also able to witness how professional athletes work to develop the high level of

skill as well as participate with the minor league players in drill activity. The athletes were also able to form relationships with athletes from

another RBI program, which helps with some of the local issues that exist in a border city such as Kansas City.

JR. HOME RUN DERBY MLB Youth Development hosted its Regional Qualifier for the

Jr. Home Run Derby at the KCUYA. The winners of the 12-and-under and 14-and-under division advanced to the MLB All-Star Game for the

national championship. The event had 50 total participants from the Missouri, Kansas and Iowa Region. The KCUYA will again

host the Jr. Home Run Derby in 2019.

MLB UMPIRE CLINIC Sixty men and women participated in the MLB Umpires Clinic at

the KCUYA. Local umpires were given the opportunity to develop their skill, gain local certification and have an opportunity to gain a spot at

MLB’s Umpire Development School in Florida, where two people would be granted the opportunity to become a professional umpire.

BREAKTHROUGH SERIES MLB Youth Development again partnered with the KCUYA through the

Breakthrough Series. The Breakthrough Series brought 60 highly skilled minority baseball athletes from 22 different states to gain additional

development from an array of MLB Alumni. The event included three days of intense on-the-field training coupled with featured guest speakers, including MLB players Billy Hamilton and Alcides Escobar and Hall of

Famer George Brett. College and professional scouts were in attendance to scout the athletes for possible future scholarships and career

advancement. In 2019, the KCUYA will host a Softball Breakthrough Series event.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLINIC

Kansas City Metro Area Major League Baseball Alumni from different teams shared their wisdom and knowledge of the game to 60 male and female athletes. Athletes had the opportunity to learn skills about each position on the field as well as hitting and pitching mechanics. At the conclusion of the clinic the alumni shared about their careers and the

importance of working hard to achieve personal and team goals.

KCUYA FALL CLASSIC The KCUYA hosted its first youth-aged baseball tournament for

teams in the Greater Kansas City Area. This tournament provided a template for future tournaments to

be held at the facility.

RAISING ROYALS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM The “Raising Royals” After School Program has more than 30 3rd and 4th grade

scholars from Kansas City Neighborhood Academy, KIPP Endeavor Academy, Crossroads Academy, and Guadalupe Centers Elementary School. Daily

programming provides the opportunity to grow the knowledge of baseball and softball while still emphasizing the importance of character development and

education and providing more targeted tutoring opportunities to get the scholars to reach grade level knowledge.

Before enrolling in the program, many of the kids had limited to zero experience playing baseball or softball. Through the program, they have learned the

basics of catching, throwing, hitting, base running, positions and terminology.

In the classroom we work on growth mindset, utilizing baseball/softball-themed games and worksheets for extra math and

literacy practice, and activities targeting 21st century skillsets, such as communication, creativity, teamwork, and adaptability.

One day each week is dedicated to wellness, when the kids learn about how to take care of their bodies through fun activities around healthy eating, exercising,

personal hygiene, and learning about the body and muscles.

SCIENCE OF BASEBALL The purpose of the KCUYA Science of Baseball Program is to provide hands-on

STEM curriculum and programming to 3rd through 8th grade teachers and students at the KCUYA and throughout the Kansas City area, through summer camps, the after school program, and teacher training featuring in-classroom lessons and a field trip to the KCUYA.

OVERALL PROGRAM GOALS • Provide engaging activities that provide a measurable improvement in student appreciation of STEM

and performance in math/science standards through a summer camp for local students.

• Train an interdisciplinary cadre of teachers on STEM curriculum using hands-on sports examples.

• Deliver materials and resources for long-term sustainment of the program.

• Leverage growth mindset strategies that reward hard work and persistence among students to enable their academic and athletic success (in partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance).

Curriculum includes lessons that emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the context of the Royals. Lessons align with math, science, and

physical education standards in Missouri and Kansas. Where appropriate, we include literacy activities that complement the lessons.

FIELD TRIP PROGRAMIn Spring 2018, we piloted a Field Trip program for area schools to introduce students and

teachers to the KCUYA. In 2019, we will continue a field trip program for elementary schools – the “Bases Loaded” Field Trip Program. The program will be an educational-based field trip program that offers a “bases loaded” experience for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students through

three components: baseball/softball, STEM, and health and wellness. The program will be offered Wednesday-Friday, during the calendar school year from September-May.

Through my nephew’s involvement with the “Raising Royals” After School Program, baseball has become a source of inspiration and motivation in his life

that translates on the field, in the classroom and in his personal life. Yasmine Simmons

This is a tremendous opportunity for our students. They work on their academics while learning more about healthy living. They learn more about teamwork and what it means to support,

and to be committed to, group goals. Their confidence has grown while they enhance leadership skills.

Bryan Love Manager of Family and Community Services

Kansas City Neighborhood Academy

PROGRAM PARTNERS AVILA UNIVERSITY

BAKER UNIVERSITY

C YOU IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES FOUNDATION

CAL RIPKEN SR. FOUNDATION

CITY OF KANSAS CITY, MO

CROSSROADS ACADEMY

GUADALUPE CENTERS

HARVESTERS

INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

KANSAS CITY KANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

KANSAS CITY KNIGHTS BASEBALL CLUB

KANSAS CITY NEIGHBORHOOD ACADEMY

KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

KANSAS RBI (REVIVING BASEBALL IN INNER CITIES)

KC PARKS

KCMO RBI (REVIVING BASEBALL IN INNER CITIES)

KIPP ENDEAVOR ACADEMY

LITERACY KC

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

MLB YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM

NORTH CENTRAL MISSOURI COLLEGE

OTTAWA UNIVERSITY

POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE

ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY

USA BASEBALL

USA SOFTBALL

WILLIAM JEWELL COLLEGE

We have three student-athletes in our baseball program who are products of the Urban Youth Academy. The UYA has provided a positive experience in their lives and

has been influential in their development and character. We are very excited to continue working with your academy in the future.

Donnie Hillerman North Central Missouri College Head Baseball Coach

Not only does the organization provide a home for our program, but also provides a sanctuary for young athletes much the same way

the sport of softball offers a getaway for our girls as a stress reliever from all situations happening around them.

Meredith Smith Neal UMKC Head Softball Coach

THANK YOU TO OUR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN & 2018 DONORS!

$2,000,000+City of Kansas City, Missouri

Major League BaseballState of Missouri

$1,000,000-$1,999,999Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Hall Family FoundationKansas City Royals

Kansas City Southern Charitable FundMajor League Baseball Players AssociationMuriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation

Salvador PerezSunderland Foundation

$500,000-$999,999Alex & Jamie GordonJE Dunn Construction

Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation

$250,000-$499,999Chris & Elizabeth Young

Don & Jean WagnerEric Hosmer

KCP&LSherman Family Foundation

Teammates for Kids Foundation

$100,000-$249,999Burns & McDonnell Foundation

David & Jeanne Geiman Dayton & Marianne Moore

Dees FamilyGeorge Marshall

Jeff & Sara BiskupMike Moustakas

PopulousSam & Lucy Gould Foundation

$25,000-$99,999Big XII Legacy Project

C You In The Major Leagues FoundationDave & Geri Frantze

Drug Free SportJill Wagner

Kansas City Honda Dealers

Police Foundation of Kansas CityTeam Scotti

The Earl Santee FamilyThe University of Kansas Health System

Watley Family

$10,000-$24,999American Century Investments

Drew ButeraGoogle Fiber

J.C. Nichols Company Charitable TrustPepsi

Prime HealthcareRobert Page

The Staff of PopulousU.S. Bank Foundation

$1,000-$9,999Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City

AetnaAndrew Remak

Benedictine CollegeBickimer Homes

Bill MurrayBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

Brian Doyle MurrayBrittan Motley

Carla Duryee ConsultingCBIZ

Commerce BankCopaken Family Fund

Dzynez Media LLCEileen Weir, City of Independence

Enterprise HoldingsEric & Polly Thomas Charitable Fund

Fusion FitnessGarmin

Hallmark Cards, Inc.Husch Blackwell LLP

James & Tanya McKernanJin & Libby Wong

Joan Cohen K & R Kosher

Kansas City Area Development CouncilKansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences

Kyle & Kasey Vena

LEJ Sports GroupMark One Electric

Matthew & Kimberly RoneyMcCownGordon

Metropolitan Community CollegeMidwest Sports Production

Network For GoodPrice Chopper

Rally HouseRalph Smith Foundation

RCA GroupResearch Medical Center

Salvatore & Melissa PanettiereSprint / Samsung

Stinson Leonard StreetSunlighten

Terracon Consultants, Inc.Tim Uryasz

Truman Medical CenterUMB Financial Corporation

UnitedHealthcareUniversity of Missouri - Kansas City

USA BaseballYPO Gold Kansas City

$500-$999Alec & Kristen Zumwalt

ARTSKC - Regional Arts CouncilBenevity Community Impact Fund

Bob Schmidt MemorialBruce Pendleton

Crestwood OperationsHenderson Engineers, Inc. Charitable Fund

JJ & Nicole PicolloKarin Chess

Konica MinoltaLarry Jacob

Michael & Anne PostMid-Plains League

RSM US LLPRyan & Lisa Graves

SSJ BaseballThe Fetterman Family

VML FoundationWilliam Lyons

Wyatt Benteman

ROYALS COMMITMENTKansas City Royals have pledged to contribute $500,000 per year for 20 years

to the KCUYA. With this ongoing gift, the Royals cover the overhead and general expenses of the KCUYA, so that every dollar fundraised goes directly towards

helping kids through the programming and furthering the mission.

QUEENS OF THE DIAMOND On Thursday, August 30, 2018, we held our inaugural fundraising event -

a softball tournament for Kansas City’s women leaders, KCUYA Queens of the Diamond. This fun, unique event featured

24 teams competing for amazing prizes while enjoying a morning of networking, team-building and, of course, great food and drinks! The

2018 event, which was chaired by Alex and Jamie Gordon, raised more than $130,000, with all proceeds going towards funding girls’ programming at the

Academy. The 2019 event will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2019.

TRIPLE PLAY FUND The KCUYA is introducing the Triple Play Fund, an unrestricted fund that will

serve as a long-term asset and operating capital fund. The fund establishes the “Triple Play” of funding for the Academy:

Sustainability of Programming

Fidelity to Mission

Accountability to Community

LEGACY SEAT PROGRAMAs a final phase of the construction of the KCUYA, 784 stadium seats have been installed. The seats are located on the Motley Family Field (Field 2), the Salvador Perez Family Field (Field 3) and the Women of the Negro Leagues Field (Field 4).

For a $500 tax-deductible donation, you can personalize the seat name plate on a seat of your choice (within the remaining availability). Your personalized name plate will remain on the seat for the life of the seat. The proceeds of the Legacy

Seat Program will go towards the Academy’s Triple Play Fund.

For more information and to purchase, visit mlb.com/kcuya/legacyseat

DONATIONS Our programs would not be possible without the generous

support of individuals with a passion for our mission. Donations can be made online at

mlb.com/kcuya/donate