LIBERAL
– Lane Sparks had five hits and drove in four runs, Thomas Lyssy added three
hits and five RBIs and the Hays Larks gained a split in their doubleheader with
the Liberal Bee Jays with a 14-8 win in game two Wednesday night at Brent Gould Field. 

The Larks were held to one run on two hits and lost the opener 4-1.

Liberal
(8-6, 3-3 RMBL) scored two runs in the bottom of the first of the second contest, but the Larks (11-3-1,
7-3 RMBL) answered with three in the third, three in the fourth and five in the
fifth to build and 11-2 lead. They would add three more in the top of the
seventh which pushed the lead to 14-2 before the Bee Jays struck for six in the
bottom of the inning.

Lyssy
gave the Larks the lead in the second contest with a two-out bases loaded
double which scored three. An inning later, Kaleb Duncan drove in a run with a
single to center. Lane Sparks pushed the lead to 6-2 with a two-run triple
later in the frame.

Lyssy
led off the fifth with a double followed by back-to-back walks. Lorenzo Rios was hit
by a pitch to make the score 7-2. CJ Reid followed with a two-run double, Duncan a sacrifice fly and Sparks and RBI single to give Hays an 11-2 lead.

Sparks
drove in a run with a double down the right field line and Lyssy added another
run with a double to center in the seventh.

The
Bee Jays made it interesting in the bottom of the seventh. They opened the inning
with three straight hits then with one out, scored a walk, two-run
homer, a double, a single and a passed ball Julio Ramos who got got
back-to-back strikeouts to end the game.

Trent Baker (1-1) allowed two runs on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts and picked up the win.

In the opener, Jason
Davis held the Larks to on run on two hits over the first six innings. Larks starter Dalton Campbell (3-1) allowed two runs on five hits but walked
four over four innings and suffered his first loss of the season.

Thomas
Lyssy had both of the Larks hits including a triple in the second in which
Garrett Gruell was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first. Lyssy would
later scored in a sacrifice fly from Taber Stokes.

The
Larks loaded the bases on three walks in the third but couldn’t score. They got
two on with one out in the seventh but a pop out and line out ended the game.

Hays Post SportsLIBERAL
– Lane Sparks had five hits and drove in four runs, Thomas Lyssy added three
hits and five RBIs and the Hays Larks gained a split in their doubleheader with
the Liberal Bee Jays with a 14-8 win in game two Wednesday night at Brent Gould Field. The Larks were held to one run on two hits and lost the opener 4-1.Liberal
(8-6, 3-3 RMBL) scored two runs in the bottom of the first of the second contest, but the Larks (11-3-1,
7-3 RMBL) answered with three in the third, three in the fourth and five in the
fifth to build and 11-2 lead. They would add three more in the top of the
seventh which pushed the lead to 14-2 before the Bee Jays struck for six in the
bottom of the inning.Lyssy
gave the Larks the lead in the second contest with a two-out bases loaded
double which scored three. An inning later, Kaleb Duncan drove in a run with a
single to center. Lane Sparks pushed the lead to 6-2 with a two-run triple
later in the frame.Lyssy
led off the fifth with a double followed by back-to-back walks. Lorenzo Rios was hit
by a pitch to make the score 7-2. CJ Reid followed with a two-run double, Duncan a sacrifice fly and Sparks and RBI single to give Hays an 11-2 lead.Sparks
drove in a run with a double down the right field line and Lyssy added another
run with a double to center in the seventh.The
Bee Jays made it interesting in the bottom of the seventh. They opened the inning
with three straight hits then with one out, scored a walk, two-run
homer, a double, a single and a passed ball Julio Ramos who got got
back-to-back strikeouts to end the game.Trent Baker (1-1) allowed two runs on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts and picked up the win.In the opener, Jason
Davis held the Larks to on run on two hits over the first six innings. Larks starter Dalton Campbell (3-1) allowed two runs on five hits but walked
four over four innings and suffered his first loss of the season.Thomas
Lyssy had both of the Larks hits including a triple in the second in which
Garrett Gruell was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first. Lyssy would
later scored in a sacrifice fly from Taber Stokes.The
Larks loaded the bases on three walks in the third but couldn’t score. They got
two on with one out in the seventh but a pop out and line out ended the game.

⚾ Larks split doubleheader with Bee Jays

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Rasmussen tossed five innings of two-hit ball, Tampa Bay scored three times in the second on an array of singles and bunts, and the Rays held on the rest of the way to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Wednesday night.

Rasmussen (7-5) struck out five and walked two before turning it over to the Tampa Bay bullpen on a hot, humid night. Three relievers combined to allow one hit and one walk before Pete Fairbanks handled the ninth for his 14th save.

The Rays (45-35) have won five straight on the road, nine of their last 12 overall and are a season-best 10 games over .500.

José Caballero had an RBI bunt single and Danny Jansen laid down a sacrifice bunt against Michael Wacha during the decisive second for Tampa Bay. Christopher Morel, Josh Lowe and Chandler Simpson had singles in the inning.

Other than that, Wacha (4-7) was tough on the Rays. He went six innings and struck out nine while walking just one.

His biggest problem has been the Royals' biggest problem: They aren't scoring. Not only have they managed four runs total amid a four-game losing streak, they have given Wacha two runs of support or fewer in 13 of his 16 starts this season.

Kansas City has lost nine straight at Kauffman Stadium since beating Detroit on May 31, its longest home skid since dropping 10 in a row in April and May 2023. The Royals also have lost 10 of their last 14 games overall.

The Royals put runners on the corners in the fourth, but Salvador Perez popped out on his first pitch to end the threat.

Kansas City has not hit a home run in its last 54 innings at Kauffman Stadium.

Rays RHP Shane Baz (7-3, 4.79 ERA) starts the series finale Thursday. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-7, 4.81) starts for the Royals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750933236408.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone catches a fly ball for the out on Tampa Bay Rays' Josh Lowe during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone catches a fly ball for the out on Tampa Bay Rays' Josh Lowe during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Rasmussen tossed five innings of two-hit ball, Tampa Bay scored three times in the second on an array of singles and bunts, and the Rays held on the rest of the way to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Wednesday night.Rasmussen (7-5) struck out five and walked two before turning it over to the Tampa Bay bullpen on a hot, humid night. Three relievers combined to allow one hit and one walk before Pete Fairbanks handled the ninth for his 14th save.The Rays (45-35) have won five straight on the road, nine of their last 12 overall and are a season-best 10 games over .500.José Caballero had an RBI bunt single and Danny Jansen laid down a sacrifice bunt against Michael Wacha during the decisive second for Tampa Bay. Christopher Morel, Josh Lowe and Chandler Simpson had singles in the inning.Other than that, Wacha (4-7) was tough on the Rays. He went six innings and struck out nine while walking just one.His biggest problem has been the Royals' biggest problem: They aren't scoring. Not only have they managed four runs total amid a four-game losing streak, they have given Wacha two runs of support or fewer in 13 of his 16 starts this season.Kansas City has lost nine straight at Kauffman Stadium since beating Detroit on May 31, its longest home skid since dropping 10 in a row in April and May 2023. The Royals also have lost 10 of their last 14 games overall.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals put runners on the corners in the fourth, but Salvador Perez popped out on his first pitch to end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City has not hit a home run in its last 54 innings at Kauffman Stadium.<h2>Up next</h2>Rays RHP Shane Baz (7-3, 4.79 ERA) starts the series finale Thursday. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-7, 4.81) starts for the Royals.

⚾ Rasmussen and the Rays bullpen shine in win over Royals

After a rainout last night, the Hays Larks and the Liberal BeeJays will play a doubleheader in Liberal on Tuesday night.

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a rainout last night, the Hays Larks and the Liberal BeeJays will play a doubleheader in Liberal on Tuesday night.First pitch is set for 5 p.m.You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks set to play two at Liberal

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Center Paul Mbiya has signed a financial aid agreement to play basketball at Kansas, KU head coach Bill Self announced Wednesday. Mbiya is from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo will be a freshman for the 2025-26 season.

Mbiya is 6-foot-11, 260 pounds, and has a 7-foot-8 wingspan. He played this past season in the ASVEL team system in the top-tier level French Pro A League. Mbiya averaged 15.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocked shots per game in 2024-25. In 2023-24, Mbiya averaged 15.5 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game for the ASVEL U21 team. He also appeared in 10 games in 2023-24 for the top ASVEL team. Prior to playing for ASVEL, Mbiya was part of the NBA Academy Africa and was a 2022 Basketball Without Borders All-Star selection.

"We've had a good last couple of days recruiting with Kohl (Rosario) signing yesterday and Paul today," Self said. "Paul is big. He's a legit 6-11 with a wingspan of 7-foot, 8 inches. He fits very well with the way we play. He is an immediate impact guy, and he gives us much needed size to go along with Flory (Bidunga) and Bryson (Tiller)."

Mbiya becomes the sixth incoming freshman signee for Kansas, joining Darryn Peterson, Samis Calderon, Bryson Tiller, Kohl Rosario, and Corbin Allen. Tiller joined the KU team as a redshirt in January. Kansas' spring transfer portal signees include Melvin Council Jr. (St. Bonaventure), Jayden Dawson (Loyola Chicago), and Tre White (Illinois).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750882146419.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. – Center Paul Mbiya has signed a financial aid agreement to play basketball at Kansas, KU head coach Bill Self announced Wednesday. Mbiya is from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo will be a freshman for the 2025-26 season.Mbiya is 6-foot-11, 260 pounds, and has a 7-foot-8 wingspan. He played this past season in the ASVEL team system in the top-tier level French Pro A League. Mbiya averaged 15.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocked shots per game in 2024-25. In 2023-24, Mbiya averaged 15.5 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game for the ASVEL U21 team. He also appeared in 10 games in 2023-24 for the top ASVEL team. Prior to playing for ASVEL, Mbiya was part of the NBA Academy Africa and was a 2022 Basketball Without Borders All-Star selection."We've had a good last couple of days recruiting with Kohl (Rosario) signing yesterday and Paul today," Self said. "Paul is big. He's a legit 6-11 with a wingspan of 7-foot, 8 inches. He fits very well with the way we play. He is an immediate impact guy, and he gives us much needed size to go along with Flory (Bidunga) and Bryson (Tiller)."Mbiya becomes the sixth incoming freshman signee for Kansas, joining Darryn Peterson, Samis Calderon, Bryson Tiller, Kohl Rosario, and Corbin Allen. Tiller joined the KU team as a redshirt in January. Kansas' spring transfer portal signees include Melvin Council Jr. (St. Bonaventure), Jayden Dawson (Loyola Chicago), and Tre White (Illinois).

🏀 Paul Mbiya signs with KU, second signee for Jayhawks in as many days

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Wednesday, June 25 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:00pm

Thursday, June 26 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 12:30pm

Friday, June 27 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:30pm

Saturday, June 28 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 2:30pm

Sunday, June 29 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Wednesday, June 25 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:00pmThursday, June 26 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 12:30pmFriday, June 27 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:30pmSaturday, June 28 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 2:30pmSunday, June 29 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

By KEN MAGUIRE AP Sports Writer

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22KEN%20MAGUIRE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>LONDON (AP) — In an offseason huddle at the NFL’s London headquarters, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a>&nbsp;are drawing up a game plan to win over fans in a crowded UK market.

They’re getting input from the locals, and there’s good news.

"There is something about that younger generation, in the UK specifically, they are really into U.S. sports at the moment,” says Louise Johnson, chief executive of marketing agency Fuse. “There’s a moment in time that you can really capitalize on.”

Chiefs executives visited London after the team added the UK to its list of countries in the NFL’s&nbsp;<a href="https://operations.nfl.com/updates/the-game/all-32-teams-officially-part-of-nfl-s-global-markets-program/">global markets program</a>, which puts teams in the driver’s seat to increase fandom overall — as well as land commercial partnerships individually.

A day that began meeting with local agencies in the NFL’s glass-enclosed eighth-floor office overlooking Leicester Square ended along the banks of the Thames, where a “Chiefs cab” was the meeting point to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1929976584485720162">surprise a local fan</a>&nbsp;with a ticket giveaway.

“The UK is another puzzle piece in the larger globalization of the brand,” said Lara Krug, the team’s chief media and marketing officer, echoing a franchise theme of becoming the “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-mahomes-germany-global-kelce-c583255170f52f4a7628d116058ac402">world’s team</a>.”

Krug led the team’s delegation that included business, social media and public relations representatives. Besides marketing agencies, they also met with NFL officials. The takeaways were clear for growing the Chiefs' fanbase.

“One, that 12-to-24 (aged) audience is where there is the biggest opportunity,” she told The Associated Press. ”(They’re) very much into the cultural part of the NFL and the Americana of it all.”

Second, find creative ways to connect to local fans. The Chicago Bears did&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-partner-with-acid-fc-mitchell-ness-for-london-merch-collection">soccer-style jerseys</a>&nbsp;last year for their London game.

“The league and the clubs have done a great job on growing the game,” Krug said. “We see the opportunity of reaching more fans and doing it from a cultural lens.”

Expanding your fan base is much easier when your quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is the face of the league, and your star tight end,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-kansas-city-chiefs-76e795fb9e896e69e82d4bc6af1eef60">Travis Kelce</a>, is dating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanley-cup-oilers-panthers-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-64580f4056005e292ab261900cbd2144">global pop star Taylor Swift</a>. Kelce was the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLUKIRE/status/1882475470484344866">UK’s top-selling NFL jersey</a>&nbsp;in 2024.

The Chiefs have also played in five of the last six Super Bowls and won three of them.

Still, there are eight other NFL teams with the same rights the Chiefs have in Britain — and six of them have been there longer.

Social media content on platforms like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-trump-delay-executive-order-3211a98113615be44cf92b32dca69a8e">TikTok</a>&nbsp;and Instagram are crucial, especially because NFL fans in the UK over-index on daily social media use compared to other fans, the Chiefs said.

“We know mascots do really well in the markets, it becomes an ambassador,” Krug said.

KC Wolf was on hand&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-dolphins-germany-mahomes-12a0ace723d0c6c3aab077ca6614f161">in Frankfurt, Germany in 2023</a>&nbsp;when the Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins 21-14.

They'll soon be looking for “multiple European-based mascots of our KC Wolf,” Krug said.

“That will be something that we launch later this year," she said, "so having KC Wolf show up in a few of our markets more frequently.”

Meetings aside, being on the ground in London was helpful in other ways: Krug noted the long line at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/formula-one">Formula One</a>&nbsp;promotion in the Lego store in Leicester Square.

The Chiefs have experimented before. Last year the team partnered with Hallmark — headquartered in Kansas City — on “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syuN4M-wa9s">Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.</a>&nbsp;”

In the NFL’s global markets program, Kansas City has rights in seven countries — only the Los Angeles Rams have as many. All but one — Mexico — of the Chiefs’ markets are in Europe. The team added the UK, Ireland and Spain this year.

The team's brass believes the best way to gain fans in foreign markets is to play games there. The Chiefs won their only London game, back in 2015. They are 3-0 overall in regular-season international games.

Dublin, Madrid and Berlin are all new host cities this season.

The Chiefs will play internationally this season — but not in Europe. They open in Brazil on Sept. 5 when they face the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo.

That’s the first of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-2025-international-games-to-feature-seven-games-in-five-countries">seven international NFL games</a>&nbsp;in 2025 — the most ever in one season — and Commissioner Roger Goodell wants to eventually get to 16 games per year. Goodell has also floated the idea of creating a European division and staging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/goodell-nfl-london-international-caa03e8d27aa2a07ab0a848bc015fff7">a Super Bowl outside the United States</a>. One theory is the league will package the international games into&nbsp;<a href="https://frontofficesports.com/sources-nfl-eyes-multi-billion-dollar-international-rights-package/">a billion-dollar rights deal</a>.

Team and league data show that the Chiefs are already popular internationally.

They have the largest overall German-language social media following at nearly 150,000. For consumer products sales, the Chiefs rank No. 1 in the “DACH” region of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and No. 2 in Mexico. In international Game Pass viewing, the Chiefs were the most-watched team in DACH and Mexico last season.

The Chiefs brought several British “influencers” to a game at Arrowhead Stadium last season. They included “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@formzofficial?lang=en">Formz</a>,” a Tottenham fan who raps Premier League weekly recaps and sings about heartbreak; he has 1 million followers on TikTok.

The league saw “significant growth” in UK fandom last year, said Henry Hodgson, the NFL’s general manager for the UK and Ireland.

Confidence is high enough that three teams — the Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers — applied for and were awarded UK rights starting this season, joining the six others already in the market.

“For now, we don’t want to cap it,” Hodgson told the AP. “We see the benefit of these teams being involved in the market. It’s something that the NFL will monitor, not just in the UK but in all the markets that the global markets program exists in and make sure that all of the clubs can be successful in all the markets they’re in.”

Eleven teams have rights in Germany. Mexico is next highest with 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750847320952.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver De'Anthony Thomas (13), right, celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the NFL football game between Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs at the Wembley Stadium in London, England, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver De'Anthony Thomas (13), right, celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the NFL football game between Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs at the Wembley Stadium in London, England, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN MAGUIRE AP Sports Writer<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22KEN%20MAGUIRE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>LONDON (AP) — In an offseason huddle at the NFL’s London headquarters, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a>&nbsp;are drawing up a game plan to win over fans in a crowded UK market.They’re getting input from the locals, and there’s good news."There is something about that younger generation, in the UK specifically, they are really into U.S. sports at the moment,” says Louise Johnson, chief executive of marketing agency Fuse. “There’s a moment in time that you can really capitalize on.”Chiefs executives visited London after the team added the UK to its list of countries in the NFL’s&nbsp;<a href="https://operations.nfl.com/updates/the-game/all-32-teams-officially-part-of-nfl-s-global-markets-program/">global markets program</a>, which puts teams in the driver’s seat to increase fandom overall — as well as land commercial partnerships individually.A day that began meeting with local agencies in the NFL’s glass-enclosed eighth-floor office overlooking Leicester Square ended along the banks of the Thames, where a “Chiefs cab” was the meeting point to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1929976584485720162">surprise a local fan</a>&nbsp;with a ticket giveaway.“The UK is another puzzle piece in the larger globalization of the brand,” said Lara Krug, the team’s chief media and marketing officer, echoing a franchise theme of becoming the “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-mahomes-germany-global-kelce-c583255170f52f4a7628d116058ac402">world’s team</a>.”Krug led the team’s delegation that included business, social media and public relations representatives. Besides marketing agencies, they also met with NFL officials. The takeaways were clear for growing the Chiefs' fanbase.“One, that 12-to-24 (aged) audience is where there is the biggest opportunity,” she told The Associated Press. ”(They’re) very much into the cultural part of the NFL and the Americana of it all.”Second, find creative ways to connect to local fans. The Chicago Bears did&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-partner-with-acid-fc-mitchell-ness-for-london-merch-collection">soccer-style jerseys</a>&nbsp;last year for their London game.“The league and the clubs have done a great job on growing the game,” Krug said. “We see the opportunity of reaching more fans and doing it from a cultural lens.”<h2>Mahomes, Kelce and KC Wolf</h2>Expanding your fan base is much easier when your quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is the face of the league, and your star tight end,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-kansas-city-chiefs-76e795fb9e896e69e82d4bc6af1eef60">Travis Kelce</a>, is dating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanley-cup-oilers-panthers-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-64580f4056005e292ab261900cbd2144">global pop star Taylor Swift</a>. Kelce was the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLUKIRE/status/1882475470484344866">UK’s top-selling NFL jersey</a>&nbsp;in 2024.The Chiefs have also played in five of the last six Super Bowls and won three of them.Still, there are eight other NFL teams with the same rights the Chiefs have in Britain — and six of them have been there longer.Social media content on platforms like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-trump-delay-executive-order-3211a98113615be44cf92b32dca69a8e">TikTok</a>&nbsp;and Instagram are crucial, especially because NFL fans in the UK over-index on daily social media use compared to other fans, the Chiefs said.But some old-school methods work too.Hello, KC Wolf.“We know mascots do really well in the markets, it becomes an ambassador,” Krug said.KC Wolf was on hand&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-dolphins-germany-mahomes-12a0ace723d0c6c3aab077ca6614f161">in Frankfurt, Germany in 2023</a>&nbsp;when the Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins 21-14.They'll soon be looking for “multiple European-based mascots of our KC Wolf,” Krug said.“That will be something that we launch later this year," she said, "so having KC Wolf show up in a few of our markets more frequently.”Meetings aside, being on the ground in London was helpful in other ways: Krug noted the long line at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/formula-one">Formula One</a>&nbsp;promotion in the Lego store in Leicester Square.The Chiefs have experimented before. Last year the team partnered with Hallmark — headquartered in Kansas City — on “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syuN4M-wa9s">Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.</a>&nbsp;”<h2>Going international</h2>In the NFL’s global markets program, Kansas City has rights in seven countries — only the Los Angeles Rams have as many. All but one — Mexico — of the Chiefs’ markets are in Europe. The team added the UK, Ireland and Spain this year.The team's brass believes the best way to gain fans in foreign markets is to play games there. The Chiefs won their only London game, back in 2015. They are 3-0 overall in regular-season international games.Dublin, Madrid and Berlin are all new host cities this season.The Chiefs will play internationally this season — but not in Europe. They open in Brazil on Sept. 5 when they face the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo.That’s the first of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-2025-international-games-to-feature-seven-games-in-five-countries">seven international NFL games</a>&nbsp;in 2025 — the most ever in one season — and Commissioner Roger Goodell wants to eventually get to 16 games per year. Goodell has also floated the idea of creating a European division and staging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/goodell-nfl-london-international-caa03e8d27aa2a07ab0a848bc015fff7">a Super Bowl outside the United States</a>. One theory is the league will package the international games into&nbsp;<a href="https://frontofficesports.com/sources-nfl-eyes-multi-billion-dollar-international-rights-package/">a billion-dollar rights deal</a>.Team and league data show that the Chiefs are already popular internationally.They have the largest overall German-language social media following at nearly 150,000. For consumer products sales, the Chiefs rank No. 1 in the “DACH” region of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and No. 2 in Mexico. In international Game Pass viewing, the Chiefs were the most-watched team in DACH and Mexico last season.<h2>NFL says UK still has room to grow</h2>The Chiefs brought several British “influencers” to a game at Arrowhead Stadium last season. They included “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@formzofficial?lang=en">Formz</a>,” a Tottenham fan who raps Premier League weekly recaps and sings about heartbreak; he has 1 million followers on TikTok.The league saw “significant growth” in UK fandom last year, said Henry Hodgson, the NFL’s general manager for the UK and Ireland.Confidence is high enough that three teams — the Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers — applied for and were awarded UK rights starting this season, joining the six others already in the market.“For now, we don’t want to cap it,” Hodgson told the AP. “We see the benefit of these teams being involved in the market. It’s something that the NFL will monitor, not just in the UK but in all the markets that the global markets program exists in and make sure that all of the clubs can be successful in all the markets they’re in.”Eleven teams have rights in Germany. Mexico is next highest with 10.

🏈 Kansas City Chiefs' strategy to expand UK fandom: cultural connections and mascot diplomacy

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Danny Jansen hit a two-run home run and finished with three RBIs, Taj Bradley pitched two-hit ball for 6 2/3 scoreless innings and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Tuesday night.

Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda had three hits apiece for the Rays.

José Caballero hit a two-out single in the second inning, and two pitches later Jansen followed with a homer that gave Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead.

Aranda led off the fourth with a single, advanced to third on throwing error when Jake Mangum reached on a fielder's choice, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jansen to make it 3-0.

Díaz and Curtis Mead hit back-to-back singles and Díaz scored when Aranda, with two out in the fifth, reached on a throwing error by starter Kris Bubic (6-5).

Junior Camerino doubled and later scored on a ground ball by Mangum in the seventh.

Kansas City's Maikel Garcia hit a two-out double and scored on a single by Vinnie Pasquantino to cap the scoring in the ninth.

Tampa Bay, in second place in the AL East behind the New York Yankees, has won three in a row and eight of 10.

Bradley (5-5) didn’t allow a base runner until John Rave drew a one-out walk in the sixth. After Kyle Isbel flied out, Jonathan India hit a ground rule double to break up the no-hit bid before Bradley got Bobby Witt Jr. to line out and end the threat.

The Royals have lost eight straight and 12 of their last 15 at Kauffman Stadium after starting the season 16-5 at home.

The series continues Wednesday when Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen (6-5, 2.61 ERA) takes on Michael Wacha (4-6, 3.24).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750848445269.jpeg" alt="Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Danny Jansen hit a two-run home run and finished with three RBIs, Taj Bradley pitched two-hit ball for 6 2/3 scoreless innings and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Tuesday night.Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda had three hits apiece for the Rays.José Caballero hit a two-out single in the second inning, and two pitches later Jansen followed with a homer that gave Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead.Aranda led off the fourth with a single, advanced to third on throwing error when Jake Mangum reached on a fielder's choice, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jansen to make it 3-0.Díaz and Curtis Mead hit back-to-back singles and Díaz scored when Aranda, with two out in the fifth, reached on a throwing error by starter Kris Bubic (6-5).Junior Camerino doubled and later scored on a ground ball by Mangum in the seventh.Kansas City's Maikel Garcia hit a two-out double and scored on a single by Vinnie Pasquantino to cap the scoring in the ninth.Tampa Bay, in second place in the AL East behind the New York Yankees, has won three in a row and eight of 10.<h2>Key moment</h2>Bradley (5-5) didn’t allow a base runner until John Rave drew a one-out walk in the sixth. After Kyle Isbel flied out, Jonathan India hit a ground rule double to break up the no-hit bid before Bradley got Bobby Witt Jr. to line out and end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals have lost eight straight and 12 of their last 15 at Kauffman Stadium after starting the season 16-5 at home.<h2>Up next</h2>The series continues Wednesday when Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen (6-5, 2.61 ERA) takes on Michael Wacha (4-6, 3.24).

⚾ Jansen has HR and 3 RBIs as the Rays beat Royals 

LIBERAL - The Hays Larks and Liberal Bee Jays were rained out Tuesday. They will now play a doubleheader Wednesday beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Brent Gould Field. The series will conclude with their regularly scheduled game on Thursday.

The Larks return home Saturday for a two-game series with the Collegiate Roughriders.

Hays Post SportsLIBERAL - The Hays Larks and Liberal Bee Jays were rained out Tuesday. They will now play a doubleheader Wednesday beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Brent Gould Field. The series will conclude with their regularly scheduled game on Thursday.The Larks return home Saturday for a two-game series with the Collegiate Roughriders.

⚾ Larks rained out in Liberal

Whit Merrifield is retiring after a nine-season career that included twice leading the MLB in hits and three trips to the All-Star Game.

The 36-year-old posted on social media that the birth of his daughter last year played a role in the decision. Merrifield, a utilityman whose career began with Kansas City, was granted free agency after finishing last season with Atlanta. He didn't play in 2025.

“At this point in my life, I'd much rather chase around a toddler than chase sliders,” wrote Merrifield, who had 192 hits for the Royals in 2018 and led the majors again a year later with 206.

Merrifield played his last game with the Braves on Sept. 30, 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-braves-postseason-score-95f6b7d1af6907f554b994146a7b5231">when they had to play a Monday doubleheader</a>&nbsp;against the New York Mets to settle the National League wild-card race. Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene had rained out both games in Atlanta a week earlier.

The Mets clinched a wild card with a victory in Game 1, which Merrifield played. He sat for the second game, which the Braves won to move on to the postseason as well.

Merrifield was a ninth-round pick by Kansas City in the 2010 amateur draft and made his debut with the Royals six years later, the season after the club won its first World Series in 30 years.

Merrifield played in every game from 2019-21, which included the 2020 season shortened to 60 games by the pandemic.

The Royals didn't make the playoffs in any of Merrifield's six full seasons, and he was traded to Toronto in 2022. He went to the postseason twice with the Blue Jays, but wasn't a regular in the lineup.

Merrifield led the majors in stolen bases three times, including a career-high 45 in 2018. He hit .280 with 94 homers, 485 RBIs, 29 triples and 218 steals in 1,147 games.

The last All-Star trip for Merrifield came in 2023 with Toronto, and he signed as a free agent with Philadelphia that next offseason.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/merrifield-phillies-02cf42cd0ed81944db595ce86f410d77">The Phillies released Merrifield</a>&nbsp;last July, and the South Carolina native signed with the Braves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750811045053.jpeg" alt="FILE - Philadelphia Phillies' Whit Merrifield celebrates with teammates after scoring during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Feb. 28, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Philadelphia Phillies' Whit Merrifield celebrates with teammates after scoring during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Feb. 28, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By The Associated PressWhit Merrifield is retiring after a nine-season career that included twice leading the MLB in hits and three trips to the All-Star Game.The 36-year-old posted on social media that the birth of his daughter last year played a role in the decision. Merrifield, a utilityman whose career began with Kansas City, was granted free agency after finishing last season with Atlanta. He didn't play in 2025.“At this point in my life, I'd much rather chase around a toddler than chase sliders,” wrote Merrifield, who had 192 hits for the Royals in 2018 and led the majors again a year later with 206.Merrifield played his last game with the Braves on Sept. 30, 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-braves-postseason-score-95f6b7d1af6907f554b994146a7b5231">when they had to play a Monday doubleheader</a>&nbsp;against the New York Mets to settle the National League wild-card race. Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene had rained out both games in Atlanta a week earlier.The Mets clinched a wild card with a victory in Game 1, which Merrifield played. He sat for the second game, which the Braves won to move on to the postseason as well.Merrifield was a ninth-round pick by Kansas City in the 2010 amateur draft and made his debut with the Royals six years later, the season after the club won its first World Series in 30 years.Merrifield played in every game from 2019-21, which included the 2020 season shortened to 60 games by the pandemic.The Royals didn't make the playoffs in any of Merrifield's six full seasons, and he was traded to Toronto in 2022. He went to the postseason twice with the Blue Jays, but wasn't a regular in the lineup.Merrifield led the majors in stolen bases three times, including a career-high 45 in 2018. He hit .280 with 94 homers, 485 RBIs, 29 triples and 218 steals in 1,147 games.The last All-Star trip for Merrifield came in 2023 with Toronto, and he signed as a free agent with Philadelphia that next offseason.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/merrifield-phillies-02cf42cd0ed81944db595ce86f410d77">The Phillies released Merrifield</a>&nbsp;last July, and the South Carolina native signed with the Braves.

⚾ Whit Merrifield retires after twice leading MLB in hits over his 9 seasons

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Shooting guard Kohl Rosario has signed a financial aid agreement to play basketball at Kansas, KU head coach Bill Self announced today. Rosario will be a freshman for the 2025-26 season.

Rosario, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds, comes to Kansas after playing at Overtime Elite (OTE) in Atlanta in 2024-25. The Miami native is ranked No. 27 in the class of 2026 by Rivals.com and has reclassified for the upcoming season.

"We're very excited to add Kohl this year's team," Self said. "It's not often there's a player of his potential to become available at this point. We feel that what Kohl brings from a perimeter athletic shooting standpoint is something that we've needed to add to this year's roster. He is one of the hardest working youngsters that we've ever recruited and feel the transition to college ball will be more seamless due to this.

"He's been very well drilled, and I think his competitiveness will add of piece to our culture."

At OTE, Rosario played for YNG Dreamerz, which won the 2025 championship. During the regular season Rosario averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game. In the playoffs he averaged 13.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in YNG Dreamerz' seven games. Additionally, he was 12-for-29 (41.4%) from three-point range in his team's title run.

Prior to OTE, Rosario played two seasons at Moravian Prep in Hudson, North Carolina. In 2023-24, he averaged 25.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and made 60 threes shooting 35.3 percent from beyond the arc in 24 games. In 2022-23, Rosario averaged 16.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He made 58 threes in 22 contests and shot 38.9 percent from three-point range.

Rosario becomes the fifth high school signee for Kansas, joining Darryn Peterson, Samis Calderon, Bryson Tiller, and Corbin Allen. Tiller joined the KU team as a redshirt in January. Kansas' spring transfer portal signees include Melvin Council Jr. (St. Bonaventure), Jayden Dawson (Loyola Chicago), and Tre White (Illinois).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750781898843.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. – Shooting guard Kohl Rosario has signed a financial aid agreement to play basketball at Kansas, KU head coach Bill Self announced today. Rosario will be a freshman for the 2025-26 season.Rosario, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds, comes to Kansas after playing at Overtime Elite (OTE) in Atlanta in 2024-25. The Miami native is ranked No. 27 in the class of 2026 by Rivals.com and has reclassified for the upcoming season."We're very excited to add Kohl this year's team," Self said. "It's not often there's a player of his potential to become available at this point. We feel that what Kohl brings from a perimeter athletic shooting standpoint is something that we've needed to add to this year's roster. He is one of the hardest working youngsters that we've ever recruited and feel the transition to college ball will be more seamless due to this."He's been very well drilled, and I think his competitiveness will add of piece to our culture."At OTE, Rosario played for YNG Dreamerz, which won the 2025 championship. During the regular season Rosario averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game. In the playoffs he averaged 13.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in YNG Dreamerz' seven games. Additionally, he was 12-for-29 (41.4%) from three-point range in his team's title run.Prior to OTE, Rosario played two seasons at Moravian Prep in Hudson, North Carolina. In 2023-24, he averaged 25.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and made 60 threes shooting 35.3 percent from beyond the arc in 24 games. In 2022-23, Rosario averaged 16.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He made 58 threes in 22 contests and shot 38.9 percent from three-point range.Rosario becomes the fifth high school signee for Kansas, joining Darryn Peterson, Samis Calderon, Bryson Tiller, and Corbin Allen. Tiller joined the KU team as a redshirt in January. Kansas' spring transfer portal signees include Melvin Council Jr. (St. Bonaventure), Jayden Dawson (Loyola Chicago), and Tre White (Illinois).

🏀 4-star guard Kohl Rosario signs with KU

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Steve Miller, a Hall of Fame track coach who led Kansas State through a transformative period as athletics director, including the hiring of legendary football coach Bill Snyder, passed away on June 15 at the age of 81 at his home in Portland, Ore.

A Celebration of Life has been planned for 3 p.m., PT on July 7 at the Ritz Carlton in Portland.

Miller spent nine years at K-State, including five seasons as the Wildcats’ head cross country and track and field coach (1981-86), one year as Associate Athletics Director and Director of the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund (1986-87) and three years as the Director of Athletics (1988-91).

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Miller, a true K-Stater who led our department during some of the most critical times in our history,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “Obviously his hiring of Coach Snyder is well documented, but he also was a long-time figure in the track and field world and was a leader in that space for decades. From the first time I met Steve he became a trusted friend and over the last few years provided me great guidance and advice from his vast experience in the sports industry. He will truly be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

A 2005 inductee into the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame, Miller coached track and field teams for 23 years, including 21 as a head coach at Bloom Township High School (1965-76), Cal Poly (1976-81) and K-State. Following his time in Manhattan, he served in administrative positions with Nike, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and Agassi Graf Holdings and as a faculty member at the University of Oregon.

Miller coached 37 All-Americans and national champions Rita Graves, Kenny Harrison and Doug Lytle in his K-State tenure, while leading the Wildcat women to a Big Eight Cross Country Championship in 1982 and a District V Cross Country title in 1984. A three-time district Coach of the Year, he became the school’s first head coach of both its men’s and women’s cross country and track and field programs on August 7, 1981, by then director of athletics DeLoss Dodds.

Miller left his position as track coach following the 1986 outdoor season to become Associate Athletics Director and Director of the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund, which he stayed in until becoming the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Special Olympics in 1987. He was named K-State’s Director of Athletics on June 27, 1988, succeeding Larry Travis. He served in the position for three years before stepping down to take a position at Nike on June 13, 1991.

Miller made the transformational hiring of Snyder on Nov. 30, 1988, setting off the “greatest turnaround in college football history,” in which the football coach led K-State to 215 wins over two stints (1989-2005; 2009-18) with 2 Big 12 Championships (2003, 2012) and 19 bowl games.

In addition to Snyder, he also hired Dana Altman’s as men’s basketball coach on April 3, 1990. Altman has gone onto a Hall of Fame career at Creighton and Oregon.

Born in Chicago on Sept. 9, 1943, Miller was both a football and track standout at Bradley University and briefly played for the Detroit Lions.

Miller earned a bachelor's degree from Bradley in English literature and physical education in 1965 before receiving a Master’s in Contemporary English Literature in 1970 from Governors State University and Master’s in physical education and Biomechanical Analysis from Cal Poly in 1978.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750772398226.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – Steve Miller, a Hall of Fame track coach who led Kansas State through a transformative period as athletics director, including the hiring of legendary football coach Bill Snyder, passed away on June 15 at the age of 81 at his home in Portland, Ore.A Celebration of Life has been planned for 3 p.m., PT on July 7 at the Ritz Carlton in Portland.Miller spent nine years at K-State, including five seasons as the Wildcats’ head cross country and track and field coach (1981-86), one year as Associate Athletics Director and Director of the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund (1986-87) and three years as the Director of Athletics (1988-91).“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Miller, a true K-Stater who led our department during some of the most critical times in our history,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “Obviously his hiring of Coach Snyder is well documented, but he also was a long-time figure in the track and field world and was a leader in that space for decades. From the first time I met Steve he became a trusted friend and over the last few years provided me great guidance and advice from his vast experience in the sports industry. He will truly be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”A 2005 inductee into the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame, Miller coached track and field teams for 23 years, including 21 as a head coach at Bloom Township High School (1965-76), Cal Poly (1976-81) and K-State. Following his time in Manhattan, he served in administrative positions with Nike, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and Agassi Graf Holdings and as a faculty member at the University of Oregon.Miller coached 37 All-Americans and national champions Rita Graves, Kenny Harrison and Doug Lytle in his K-State tenure, while leading the Wildcat women to a Big Eight Cross Country Championship in 1982 and a District V Cross Country title in 1984. A three-time district Coach of the Year, he became the school’s first head coach of both its men’s and women’s cross country and track and field programs on August 7, 1981, by then director of athletics DeLoss Dodds.Miller left his position as track coach following the 1986 outdoor season to become Associate Athletics Director and Director of the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund, which he stayed in until becoming the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Special Olympics in 1987. He was named K-State’s Director of Athletics on June 27, 1988, succeeding Larry Travis. He served in the position for three years before stepping down to take a position at Nike on June 13, 1991.Miller made the transformational hiring of Snyder on Nov. 30, 1988, setting off the “greatest turnaround in college football history,” in which the football coach led K-State to 215 wins over two stints (1989-2005; 2009-18) with 2 Big 12 Championships (2003, 2012) and 19 bowl games.In addition to Snyder, he also hired Dana Altman’s as men’s basketball coach on April 3, 1990. Altman has gone onto a Hall of Fame career at Creighton and Oregon.Born in Chicago on Sept. 9, 1943, Miller was both a football and track standout at Bradley University and briefly played for the Detroit Lions.Miller earned a bachelor's degree from Bradley in English literature and physical education in 1965 before receiving a Master’s in Contemporary English Literature in 1970 from Governors State University and Master’s in physical education and Biomechanical Analysis from Cal Poly in 1978.

K-State Mourns the Passing of Former AD, Track Coach Steve Miller

Tuesday, June 24 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Tuesday, June 24 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:00pmWednesday, June 25 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:00pmThursday, June 26 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 12:30pmFriday, June 27 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:30pmSaturday, June 28 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 2:30pmSunday, June 29 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 12:30pm

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs will return to Missouri Western State University for their 2025 training camp, marking the 15th year the club has held camp in St. Joseph. The team and university have also agreed to a multi-year extension to continue the partnership.

Open practices are scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 22, and run through Wednesday, Aug. 13. All practices will take place on the Mosaic Training Fields and are free to the public unless otherwise noted. Fans must reserve tickets in advance at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/trainingcamp">www.chiefs.com/trainingcamp</a>, and space is limited due to anticipated demand.

Season Ticket Members will have first access to reserve tickets beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 24. The general public can begin reserving tickets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25. Fans may reserve up to six tickets per day for a maximum of three practices. Paid practice days and exclusive Season Ticket Member dates do not count toward the three-practice limit.

Three practices will require a $6 admission fee: Sunday, July 27; Saturday, Aug. 2 (Family Fun Day); and Sunday, Aug. 3. Two practices—Tuesday, July 22 and Thursday, Aug. 7—are reserved exclusively for Chiefs Season Ticket Members and will not be open to the general public.

Ambassador Day is set for Monday, July 28, and Military Appreciation Day will be held on the final day of camp, Wednesday, Aug. 13. Team autograph sessions are scheduled for July 22, July 27, Aug. 2, Aug. 3 and Aug. 7.

Parking is $7 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance during the ticket reservation process. Parking will be free for Season Ticket Members on their two exclusive days. All tickets will be mobile-only and accessible through the Chiefs Mobile app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750767006240.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs will return to Missouri Western State University for their 2025 training camp, marking the 15th year the club has held camp in St. Joseph. The team and university have also agreed to a multi-year extension to continue the partnership.Open practices are scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 22, and run through Wednesday, Aug. 13. All practices will take place on the Mosaic Training Fields and are free to the public unless otherwise noted. Fans must reserve tickets in advance at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/trainingcamp">www.chiefs.com/trainingcamp</a>, and space is limited due to anticipated demand.Season Ticket Members will have first access to reserve tickets beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 24. The general public can begin reserving tickets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25. Fans may reserve up to six tickets per day for a maximum of three practices. Paid practice days and exclusive Season Ticket Member dates do not count toward the three-practice limit.Three practices will require a $6 admission fee: Sunday, July 27; Saturday, Aug. 2 (Family Fun Day); and Sunday, Aug. 3. Two practices—Tuesday, July 22 and Thursday, Aug. 7—are reserved exclusively for Chiefs Season Ticket Members and will not be open to the general public.Ambassador Day is set for Monday, July 28, and Military Appreciation Day will be held on the final day of camp, Wednesday, Aug. 13. Team autograph sessions are scheduled for July 22, July 27, Aug. 2, Aug. 3 and Aug. 7.Parking is $7 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance during the ticket reservation process. Parking will be free for Season Ticket Members on their two exclusive days. All tickets will be mobile-only and accessible through the Chiefs Mobile app.

🏈 Chiefs announce 2025 training camp schedule in St. Joseph; ticket reservations begin June 24

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Monday, June 23 noneTuesday, June 24 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:00pmWednesday, June 25 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:00pmThursday, June 26 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 12:30pmFriday, June 27 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:30pmSaturday, June 28 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 2:30pmSunday, June 29 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 12:30pm

HAYS
– Garrett Gruell had three hits in his season debut, Trent Baker drove in
three runs and the Hays Larks closed out their seven-game homestand with a 13-3
win over the Gameday Angels Sunday evening at Larks Park.

Brady
Kreutzer got the Larks on the board in the third inning with a leadoff double then
scored on a passed ball. Baker added a sacrifice fly later in the inning for a 2-0
lead.

The
Larks (10-2-1, 7-2 RMBL) would add four runs in the fourth. They loaded the bases with
a walk, a single and an error then scored a run when Kaleb Duncan was hit by a pitch and later scored on a passed ball. Lane Sparks added an RBI single for the 6-0 lead.&nbsp; 

Hays
tacked on two more runs in the sixth on a Baker groundout and Gruell single.

The
Larks opened the seventh with a single followed by three straight walks. The last
coming to Kreutzer which drove in a run. Duncan followed with a sacrifice fly.
The Larks scored another run on a double play.

They
closed out the scoring with two in the eighth on a bases loaded walk to Thomas Lyssy
and CJ Reid single.

Starter
Nolan Wilson (1-0) has seven strikeouts with no walks and didn’t allow a hit over
four innings and was awarded the win. Keevyn Goss gave up one earned run over
two innings of relief then Brooks Jones gave up two runs on three hits over the
final two innings.

The Larks did not hit a home run Sunday ending a streak of hitting at least one homer in eight-straight games.

The
Larks went 6-1 on their second longest homestand of the season. They are 7-1-1
at Larks Park this season. They return home for three in late June then close
out the season with their final 10 games at home later in July.

The
Larks open a three-game Rocky Mountain Baseball in Liberal Tuesday. The Bee
Jays are 7-6 on the season after a 22-12 win over the Collegiate Roughriders
Sunday which snapped a three-game losing streak.

Hays
Post SportsHAYS
– Garrett Gruell had three hits in his season debut, Trent Baker drove in
three runs and the Hays Larks closed out their seven-game homestand with a 13-3
win over the Gameday Angels Sunday evening at Larks Park.Brady
Kreutzer got the Larks on the board in the third inning with a leadoff double then
scored on a passed ball. Baker added a sacrifice fly later in the inning for a 2-0
lead.The
Larks (10-2-1, 7-2 RMBL) would add four runs in the fourth. They loaded the bases with
a walk, a single and an error then scored a run when Kaleb Duncan was hit by a pitch and later scored on a passed ball. Lane Sparks added an RBI single for the 6-0 lead.&nbsp; Hays
tacked on two more runs in the sixth on a Baker groundout and Gruell single.The
Larks opened the seventh with a single followed by three straight walks. The last
coming to Kreutzer which drove in a run. Duncan followed with a sacrifice fly.
The Larks scored another run on a double play.They
closed out the scoring with two in the eighth on a bases loaded walk to Thomas Lyssy
and CJ Reid single.Starter
Nolan Wilson (1-0) has seven strikeouts with no walks and didn’t allow a hit over
four innings and was awarded the win. Keevyn Goss gave up one earned run over
two innings of relief then Brooks Jones gave up two runs on three hits over the
final two innings.NO HOMERThe Larks did not hit a home run Sunday ending a streak of hitting at least one homer in eight-straight games.HOMESTAND
SUCCESSThe
Larks went 6-1 on their second longest homestand of the season. They are 7-1-1
at Larks Park this season. They return home for three in late June then close
out the season with their final 10 games at home later in July.UP
NEXTThe
Larks open a three-game Rocky Mountain Baseball in Liberal Tuesday. The Bee
Jays are 7-6 on the season after a 22-12 win over the Collegiate Roughriders
Sunday which snapped a three-game losing streak.

⚾ Larks close out homestand with win over Angels

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jose Iglesias tied the game with two-run, two-out, bases-loaded pinch-hit single in the seventh inning and then&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1936916158826864995">drove in the winning run</a>&nbsp;with a grounder in the ninth for the San Diego Padres, who beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Sunday to take two of three.

Iglesias hit a soft bouncer to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who fielded it, spun around and threw home too late to get Luis Arraez.

Arraez started the decisive rally with a single off Daniel Lynch IV (3-2) and took third on Xander Bogaerts' double. John Schreiber came on and allowed Iglesias' grounder.

Robert Suarez (2-3) worked the ninth. He is appealing his three-game suspension for hitting Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani on Thursday night.

Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer for the Royals and phenom Jac Caglianone leaped and got his glove over the right-field wall to rob Jackson Merrill of a two-run home run in the eighth.

Seth Lugo, who pitched for the Padres in 2023, was brilliant in retiring 18 straight batters after allowing Fernando Tatis’ leadoff single.

The Padres finally broke through when Merrill, who returned from the seven-day concussion injured list, doubled into the right-field corner leading off the seventh. Lugo retired Manny Machado and made way for Angel Zerpa, who issued consecutive two-out walks.

Iglesias, pinch-hitting for left-hander Jake Cronenworth, hit an opposite-field single to right, and he tripped and fell breaking out of the box.

Perez lined a 1-0 pitch from Randy Vásquez 412 feet into the left-field stands to break a scoreless tie in the sixth.

Kansas City's Drew Waters was thrown out trying to score from first on Freddy Fermin’s double to center in the ninth.

It was Iglesias' fifth career walk-off and first since July 2, 2019, with Cincinnati.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jose Iglesias tied the game with two-run, two-out, bases-loaded pinch-hit single in the seventh inning and then&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1936916158826864995">drove in the winning run</a>&nbsp;with a grounder in the ninth for the San Diego Padres, who beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Sunday to take two of three.Iglesias hit a soft bouncer to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who fielded it, spun around and threw home too late to get Luis Arraez.Arraez started the decisive rally with a single off Daniel Lynch IV (3-2) and took third on Xander Bogaerts' double. John Schreiber came on and allowed Iglesias' grounder.Robert Suarez (2-3) worked the ninth. He is appealing his three-game suspension for hitting Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani on Thursday night.Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer for the Royals and phenom Jac Caglianone leaped and got his glove over the right-field wall to rob Jackson Merrill of a two-run home run in the eighth.Seth Lugo, who pitched for the Padres in 2023, was brilliant in retiring 18 straight batters after allowing Fernando Tatis’ leadoff single.The Padres finally broke through when Merrill, who returned from the seven-day concussion injured list, doubled into the right-field corner leading off the seventh. Lugo retired Manny Machado and made way for Angel Zerpa, who issued consecutive two-out walks.Iglesias, pinch-hitting for left-hander Jake Cronenworth, hit an opposite-field single to right, and he tripped and fell breaking out of the box.Perez lined a 1-0 pitch from Randy Vásquez 412 feet into the left-field stands to break a scoreless tie in the sixth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas City's Drew Waters was thrown out trying to score from first on Freddy Fermin’s double to center in the ninth.<h2>Key stat</h2>It was Iglesias' fifth career walk-off and first since July 2, 2019, with Cincinnati.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Iglesias drives in the tying and winning runs as the Padres beat the Royals 

The Hays Larks host the Gameday Angels in the final game of a four-game series Sunday at Larks Park.&nbsp;

First pitch is set&nbsp; for 6 p.m at Larks Park.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks host the Gameday Angels in the final game of a four-game series Sunday at Larks Park.&nbsp;First pitch is set&nbsp; for 6 p.m at Larks Park.&nbsp;You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks host Gameday Angels

Sunday, June 22 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at San Diego Padres, 2:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Sunday, June 22 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at San Diego Padres, 2:30pm

By RICK PETERSON Jr. KSHSAA Covered

DODGE CITY – Maize South’s Christian McDonald found himself in the perfect spot at the perfect time to deliver the signature moment of Saturday’s Kansas Shrine Bowl. 

Moments after the West offense found a spark with a touchdown drive to take the lead, McDonald added an early dagger in the third quarter, scoring on a 28-yard interception return to put the West on its way to a 26-8 victory in a windy 52nd edition of the Shrine Bowl at Memorial Stadium. 

The defensive back jumped a route in the right flat and followed his blockers up the sideline to highlight a 19-0 third quarter for the West.

“I had to make sure I was assignment correct and reading the quarterback,” McDonald said. “Anything that came to the flats, that was me. I just made sure I was underneath the route and once the play came to me I jumped on it. 

“I took advantage of the opportunity I had.”

The West followed up McDonald’s pick-six with another defensive stop and tacked on a 1-yard TD from Cheney quarterback Josh Burdick late in the third frame for the final points of the game. 

“That (pick-six) was really electrifying for the whole team,” McDonald said. “It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for my lead blocker (Derby’s James Middlebrook). If he didn’t set the block, I probably wouldn’t have scored, so it’s a team effort.”

“That was a (defensive call) we’d been working on. We’d been saving it,” said West head coach Dominic Dingle of Wichita Heights. “It was a Cover 2 look, and (McDonald) did a great job of executing the game plan. It was a big-time, game-changing play.”

 Maize South's Christian McDonald celebrates his pick six. 

The wind caused havoc at times, starting on the game’s first possession.

After a three-and-out at the East 5, the punt from Gardner-Edgerton quarterback Bravin Powell-Brown got caught in the wind and sailed backward into the end zone where Wellington’s Brody Weir pounced on the ball for a touchdown.

Neither team had much success moving the ball into the wind, with all five of the touchdowns coming with the wind at the scoring team’s backs. 

“We knew (the wind) was going to be a part of the game tonight,” Dingle said. “Everything just kind of worked out the way that we want. We only kicked the ball twice, and that was exactly what we wanted to do. It was part of our game plan and it worked out perfectly tonight.”

The East bounced back from the early punt mishap to take an 8-7 halftime lead. Powell-Brown, who led Gardner-Edgerton to back-to-back 6A championships, scored the East’s lone touchdown on a 51-yard run with 9:58 left in the second quarter. Powell-Brown found Aquinas’ Elzie Slaughter for the two-point conversion. 

Olathe North’s Wyatt Flood helped the East keep the lead heading into the locker room after breaking up a pass that was nearly caught in the end zone by Abilene’s Weston Rock with 1.2 seconds left. 

The West, which rotated Burdick, Norton’s Eli Jones and Manhattan’s Carter Aslin at quarterback, found its offensive rhythm in the third quarter. 

Burdick and Jones each made big plays on the go-ahead drive, capped by a 2-yard TD run from Jones. 

“It started up front and the quarterbacks were just making dynamite decisions,” Dingle said.

Burdick, an Emporia State signee who quarterbacked Cheney to a 3A state championship as a junior, was named MVP for the West

“Our defense played amazing,” Burdick said. “Really, I think there could have been a lot more MVPs in this game. A lot of guys played really well. We were one big family on the West and I think that’s what helped us pull away.”

Lansing defensive lineman Ayden Ellington was MVP for the East. 

The West quickly got back into the win column after last year saw the East pick up its first win in six years. 

“We really couldn’t have started any worse, but we just kept going, kept going, and got up one at half,” said East head coach Garrett Michael of Sabetha. “All you can ask for as a coach is a chance, and that’s what we had. 

“I’m proud of everyone. I’m not really worried about winning or losing the game. The kids win.”

 The East's Bravin Powell-Brown is wrapped up by a host of West players.  Wellington's Brody Weir celebrates after recovering a punt in the end zone.  Gardner-Edgerton's Bravin Powell-Brown weaves through tacklers on his way to the end zone. 

East … 0 … 8 … 0 … 0 … – … 8 West ... 7 … 0 … 19 … 0 … – … 26

West – Weir punt recovery in end zone (Jones kick) East – Powell-Brown 49 run (Slaughter pass from Brown) West – Jones 2 run (run failed) West – McDonald 28 interception return (run failed) West – Burdick 1 run (Jones kick)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750679382044.png" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure>By RICK PETERSON Jr. KSHSAA CoveredDODGE CITY – Maize South’s Christian McDonald found himself in the perfect spot at the perfect time to deliver the signature moment of Saturday’s Kansas Shrine Bowl. Moments after the West offense found a spark with a touchdown drive to take the lead, McDonald added an early dagger in the third quarter, scoring on a 28-yard interception return to put the West on its way to a 26-8 victory in a windy 52nd edition of the Shrine Bowl at Memorial Stadium. The defensive back jumped a route in the right flat and followed his blockers up the sideline to highlight a 19-0 third quarter for the West.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750673289560.jpeg" alt="Cheney's Josh Burdick leaps away from a tackle (Rick Peterson Jr./Kansas Covered)" />
 <figcaption>Cheney's Josh Burdick leaps away from a tackle (Rick Peterson Jr./Kansas Covered)</figcaption>
 </figure>“I had to make sure I was assignment correct and reading the quarterback,” McDonald said. “Anything that came to the flats, that was me. I just made sure I was underneath the route and once the play came to me I jumped on it. “I took advantage of the opportunity I had.”The West followed up McDonald’s pick-six with another defensive stop and tacked on a 1-yard TD from Cheney quarterback Josh Burdick late in the third frame for the final points of the game. “That (pick-six) was really electrifying for the whole team,” McDonald said. “It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for my lead blocker (Derby’s James Middlebrook). If he didn’t set the block, I probably wouldn’t have scored, so it’s a team effort.”“That was a (defensive call) we’d been working on. We’d been saving it,” said West head coach Dominic Dingle of Wichita Heights. “It was a Cover 2 look, and (McDonald) did a great job of executing the game plan. It was a big-time, game-changing play.” Maize South's Christian McDonald celebrates his pick six. The wind caused havoc at times, starting on the game’s first possession.After a three-and-out at the East 5, the punt from Gardner-Edgerton quarterback Bravin Powell-Brown got caught in the wind and sailed backward into the end zone where Wellington’s Brody Weir pounced on the ball for a touchdown.Neither team had much success moving the ball into the wind, with all five of the touchdowns coming with the wind at the scoring team’s backs. “We knew (the wind) was going to be a part of the game tonight,” Dingle said. “Everything just kind of worked out the way that we want. We only kicked the ball twice, and that was exactly what we wanted to do. It was part of our game plan and it worked out perfectly tonight.”The East bounced back from the early punt mishap to take an 8-7 halftime lead. Powell-Brown, who led Gardner-Edgerton to back-to-back 6A championships, scored the East’s lone touchdown on a 51-yard run with 9:58 left in the second quarter. Powell-Brown found Aquinas’ Elzie Slaughter for the two-point conversion. Olathe North’s Wyatt Flood helped the East keep the lead heading into the locker room after breaking up a pass that was nearly caught in the end zone by Abilene’s Weston Rock with 1.2 seconds left. The West, which rotated Burdick, Norton’s Eli Jones and Manhattan’s Carter Aslin at quarterback, found its offensive rhythm in the third quarter. Burdick and Jones each made big plays on the go-ahead drive, capped by a 2-yard TD run from Jones. “It started up front and the quarterbacks were just making dynamite decisions,” Dingle said.Burdick, an Emporia State signee who quarterbacked Cheney to a 3A state championship as a junior, was named MVP for the West“Our defense played amazing,” Burdick said. “Really, I think there could have been a lot more MVPs in this game. A lot of guys played really well. We were one big family on the West and I think that’s what helped us pull away.”Lansing defensive lineman Ayden Ellington was MVP for the East. The West quickly got back into the win column after last year saw the East pick up its first win in six years. “We really couldn’t have started any worse, but we just kept going, kept going, and got up one at half,” said East head coach Garrett Michael of Sabetha. “All you can ask for as a coach is a chance, and that’s what we had. “I’m proud of everyone. I’m not really worried about winning or losing the game. The kids win.” The East's Bravin Powell-Brown is wrapped up by a host of West players. Wellington's Brody Weir celebrates after recovering a punt in the end zone. Gardner-Edgerton's Bravin Powell-Brown weaves through tacklers on his way to the end zone. WEST 26, EAST 8East … 0 … 8 … 0 … 0 … – … 8 West ... 7 … 0 … 19 … 0 … – … 26West – Weir punt recovery in end zone (Jones kick) East – Powell-Brown 49 run (Slaughter pass from Brown) West – Jones 2 run (run failed) West – McDonald 28 interception return (run failed) West – Burdick 1 run (Jones kick)