RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. --About a month after winning their first state title for Class 2 baseball, the Russellville Indians took the field for recognition.
But not just any field.
The Indians were one of six high school baseball and softball teams the Kansas City Royals recognized July 12 at Kauffman Stadium. According to MLB records, more than 14,000 fans were estimated to have attended the game.
Russellville won the state title May 31 by defeating the Portageville Bulldogs 5-3 in Ozark.
When Russellville head baseball coach Lucas Branson received an invitation for his team to appear at the Royals' Champions Night, he was surprised.
"This being the first time we won a state championship, there's been a lot of things that have come along with that that were exciting and new," Branson said. "Being able to be recognized in front of some of the best baseball players in the world is kind of a neat experience for our boys and their families."
For Branson, it wasn't just about the recognition. He said it was also a learning experience for the young players.
The state champions got to walk on the same turf professional Major League baseball players play on. The young players got to see Bobby Witt Jr., M.J. Melendez, Vinnie Pasquantino and other pros exercising and warming up before the game.
"Being able to be out on a Major League field and seeing a player like Bobby Witt Jr., being arm's length away from us as he's going through warmups and see what they're doing pre-game was a neat experience for our guys," Branson said.
Branson said the parents deserve recognition for showing up at Kauffman Stadium. He added he is thankful for the continued support from the community.
While Branson hopes to repeat the success of the 2022 season in 2023, he is glad his team was recognized for its accomplishment.
"We're a small school, so we take the recognition that we get, and being able to have that experience was fun," Branson said.
Submitted photo: Members of the Russellville High School baseball team were recognized July 12, 2022, by the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. The Russellville Indians won their first state championship May 31 against the Portageville Bulldogs.
Submitted photo: Members of the Russellville High School baseball team are seen on the scoreboard July 12, 2022, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. The Kansas City Royals recognized the Russellville Indians baseball team, who won their first state championship title May 31 against the Portageville Bulldogs, prior to a game against the Detroit Tigers.