Out of the Park: Inclusion
Every year I look forward to the month of February. Spring training signals a return to the ballpark (and behind the scenes content), which is one of the unique privileges of my work. But this year I received one of the highest honors of my career when I was appointed to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s Board of Directors.
It very appropriately happened at the beginning of Black History Month, and inspired this entire newsletter. I believe inclusion matters, and I’m proud to support such an iconic institution as it continues its mission. By paying homage to those who boldly created their own game in the face of discrimination, the Museum continues to preserve a history that goes beyond baseball.
My first meeting in this new role was actually held in the Paseo YMCA, 105 years to the day that the Negro Leagues were formed in that very same location. It’s ironic that a league founded to make baseball more inclusive is actually the one responsible for so many modern day norms we take for granted.
They invented shin guards and batting helmets. Were the first to put numbers on their uniforms. They can even be credited with the concept of night games, which were later adopted by Major League Baseball.
Speaking of, I did also get to see this years’ team in action when I visited Surprise, AZ a couple of weeks ago. On the heels of their history-making season in 2024, but still weeks from Opening Day, the Royals are already performing at a level I haven’t seen from them in years.
They are focused, confident, and know they are worthy competitors. I cannot wait until the season officially begins on March 27th, and to watch this team battle for a Division…even a World Championship.
To round out this month’s flurry of activity, my second book, Small Ball Big Dreams, was released February 4. It’s a collection of stories about the grit and resilience it takes to make dreams come true, on and off the field. I hope you find as much inspiration reading it as I did writing it.
This month from the history book has been one for my record book, inside and Out of the Park.
Stadium dreams
If you are a baseball fan but have never been to Spring Training, do yourself a favor and make time to go.
Florida and Arizona both present great opportunities to warm up in the sun, but after spending so many years with the Royals, I’m partial to Phoenix. Unlike Florida, there’s rarely rain and all of the teams are within an hour drive from each other. Because travel is so much more accessible in the Cactus League than the Grapefruit League, it’s easier for visiting fans to see multiple venues.
In Surprise, you can visit the Royals and Rangers. One of the teams plays in Surprise Stadium almost every day and it’s a beautiful, intimate venue. For those who visit, I encourage you to check out the back fields. You just might see future star Jac Caglianone, current star Salvador Perez or Hall of Fame star George Brett just a few feet away.
Local flavor
This offseason, I made a point to try some new restaurants and Of Course in Overland Park was at the top of my list. We checked it out earlier this month and can finally understand the hype.
Shareable plates have become the norm for Susan and I when we go out, and Of Course offered some truly unique flavors. Described on their website as “A fusion of American cuisine with South Asian influences,” it advertises “A culinary adventure with every bite,” which perfectly sums up our experience.
First we ordered the egg curry toast, which was like a stew of tomatoes and curry topped with a soft boiled egg on toast. The flavors were so unique, there is no way I could even begin to describe it other than it was meant to be savored.
The menu changes regularly, but the night we were there, a dish called chicken manchurian caught our attention. Described as crispy, sweet and spicy chicken with brussel sprouts and peanuts, this small plate was as delicious as the toast.
The smashburger was recommended to us as a must-try and it did not disappoint. And the house made curry ketchup sent this a one-of-a-kind burger over the top.
It was truly incredible, and I hope to return soon on an off-night during the season.
Dugout dialogue
Former Kansas City police officer Sarah Nauser is someone I write and speak about regularly. She has been courageously battling ALS for years, proving why inclusion matters (and also proving doctors predictions wrong.)
It may not be easy for her to get on a plane and travel, but it doesn’t stop her from doing it anyway. Nothing ever really has. So when I saw a picture of her on social media one day inside the Royals spring training clubhouse, all I could do was smile.
Using eye gaze technology to type, she captioned it: “Today was truly unbelievable. The way the Royals organization has embraced me and supported me during my fight against ALS is truly remarkable. Something I will forever treasure and never take for granted.”
The Royals have shown Sarah so much love and support as she fights this terrible disease. Many players regularly message her, and I think of her like family to my wife, kids and me. So while I look forward to all of the player interviews in store for this year, my favorite on camera moment to date in 2025 was actually with this dear friend of mine.
Sarah is the only person to be featured in my first book and my newly-released second book, Small Ball Big Dreams. Such an inspiring story deserved a hand delivery.
In this month’s discussion with Chief of Staff KC’s Casey Wright, we explore the job market trends that have him feeling optimistic. Click below to learn more.
speaking engagements
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of promotions for Small Ball Big Dreams, and I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to discuss it on local news, podcasts and keynote audiences.
One such group was Twin Valley and ISG Technology, who I keynoted to in Wichita the week of the book’s release. It was the moment being a two-time author felt real.
On stage, it was an honor to share shores about trust, teamwork and resilience. Off stage, it was truly humbling to see their excitement over both books.
As I transition into baseball season, I remain available to speak at opportunities that align with the Royals schedule. I look forward to mixing in some book signings as well.
Upcoming events include:
March 15 - Vine Street Brewing Co.: Noon-2pm
March 22 - Made in KC Marketplace-Plaza: Noon-2pm
April 23 - Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Coffee with Champions: 8:30-9:30am
If you have a game changing event coming up, it’s time we play ball. To inquire about my keynote series, event moderation or custom video content, just click the link below. A member of my team will get back to you right away.
Rounding the bases rewind
Every February, we celebrate inclusion and Black History Month on Rounding the Bases by featuring exclusively African American guests. This year was no different. It would be impossible to pick a favorite, but my discussion with returning guests Andre Davis and Chandra Clark offered a particularly insightful discussion.
Chandra Clark is a visionary agent of change and President of The Corey G. Griffin Foundation in Boston. Andre Davis is the Vice President of Alliant Insurance and a prominent Kansas City business leader. Both are committed to bringing positive change to the present tense, which is evident in our third-annual panel discussion.
It was a tremendous discussion about bridging divides and building hope that is relevant every month of the year, but especially during February. If you missed the original release, be sure to listen now.
Finally, I want to give another big thank you to every one of this month’s standout guests:
Our schedule is already booked into the summer, but we are always looking for interesting guests with standout stories. Would you or someone you know make a great guest on Rounding the Bases?
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please email my Executive Producer Ashleigh Sterr: ashleigh@joelgoldbergmedia.com.
Keeping the score
No sport inspires storytelling quite like baseball. And nobody can tell those stories like Bob Kendrick.
As the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, he has been preserving the rich legacy of black baseball for 30 years and counting. As a longtime civic leader, he has arguably been as influential on the history of America’s pastime as many of the players themselves. It made him a perfect guest to feature in this month’s blog as inclusion takes center stage and baseball on the not-so-distant horizon.
It was an episode full of stories about baseball legends past and present that I encourage you to read.
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