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

Monday, July 21
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Chicago Cubs, 6:30pm

Tuesday, July 22
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Chicago Cubs, 6:30pm

Wednesday, July 23
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Chicago Cubs, 12:30pm

Friday, July 25
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pm

Saturday, July 26
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 5:30pm

Sunday, July 27
KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Monday, July 21
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Chicago Cubs, 6:30pmTuesday, July 22
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Chicago Cubs, 6:30pmWednesday, July 23
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Chicago Cubs, 12:30pmThursday, July 24
 noneFriday, July 25
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pmSaturday, July 26
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 5:30pmSunday, July 27
KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays Post

On a warm summertime evening, hundreds of baseball fans flock to Larks Park. Some are of a certain age, remembering days—and games—gone by. Others are youngsters who are just discovering the joy of summer baseball in Hays, America.

Young or old, there is something special about Larks baseball. When the home team rallies for a victory, people say it’s “Larks Magic.” But the magic goes far beyond what one can find between the white lines.

Fans look forward to fun in the sun every summer.

They wear their Larks T-shirts and caps; they chow down on Larks burgers; they catch up with other fans they might not have seen since the summer before. Their kids play catch behind the visitor’s dugout and fight for foul balls.&nbsp;

Frank Leo is in his 43rd season as the Larks’ manager.

When the original Jayhawk League disbanded after the 2018 season, Hays played in another league for a year before joining the Rocky Mountain Baseball League, where the Larks won their fifth title in six years this summer.

Hays has an automatic berth at the 91st National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita. The Larks, who have made the season finale almost every year under Leo, open defense of their title on Thursday with a 6 p.m. game against the Seattle Blackfins at Eck Stadium. Like every year, a big Larks crowd is expected to cheer on their favorite team.

Leo, now 75, remembered the years when perhaps 50 fans would show up for a game, on a good night. However, with the help of community support, the program has slowly evolved into what it is today.

“It is a special story,” Leo said, “what it was and what it has become.”

The Larks program was in danger of folding, not that long ago. After recruiting a team for the 2007 season, the organization faced financial difficulties and was at risk of not being able to field a team that summer. Leo understood that could not be allowed to happen.

“I knew if you canceled something (for a season), you’re not going to get it back,” Leo said. “(College) coaches are going to be hesitant to send somebody out here. When you’re done for a couple of years, people may not support you as much as they did.”

“After 2007, I think we found out people wanted Larks baseball in the summertime,” he added. “That’s when it started getting bigger and bigger.”

Once word got out around town about the Larks’ financial woes in 2007, businesses rushed to sponsor games, allowing free admission to continue. The Larks also formed the Diamond Club, where individuals could contribute financially at different monetary levels.

Having game sponsors provides the organization with the necessary boost in income needed every year to field a team.

“The sponsorships are one of our big fundraisers,” Leo said. “It’s very key to our program.”

Winning helps, too. The Larks, year in and year out, rarely lose at home.

“There’s no substitute for winning,” Leo said. “Fortunately, we’ve been successful.”

Keith Harper was Leo’s pitching coach for all 39 years they were together coaching the Hays High School baseball team. Harper is now in his 20th summer as the pitching coach for the Larks.

Harper still throws batting practice even at 72 years old. You can find him on the mound day in, day out, tossing 300 or 400 pitches in 90-degree heat in the afternoon sun.

“I love it,” Harper said. “I’ve been doing it for 43 years.”

Leo and Harper have been together since their days at Fort Hays.

After playing for the Tigers, Leo was in his first year as an assistant coach when Harper joined the program.

A Colby native, Harper also played basketball for the Tigers and played everything but first base and catcher in the spring. A pitcher for the Colby American Legion team when he was in high school, Harper never pitched in college, but he studied pitching.

“It’s about understanding the game, and dedicating yourself to understanding the elements of pitching,” Leo said. “You don’t necessarily have to be a pitcher to teach people how to pitch. Keith has the knack of understanding the mechanics and being able to relate them to his players.”

During games, Harper studies the deliveries of his pitchers from his rocking chair next to the dugout.

You see, Harper likes to rock. He really likes to rock. About six years ago, he brought a portable folding rocking chair to the park.

“I said, ‘If I’m going to sit here and chart, I’d rather rock and chart,’ ” Harper said. “I love to rock.”

“It just relaxes me,” he added. “ I can’t explain it.”

Harper thinks of his pitchers like family. The players, the fans, the community–it’s a family atmosphere.

“That’s exactly what we wanted,” Harper said. “The community has bought in. They want to be a part of this.”

The community stepped up financially, and community members stepped up by volunteering to become host families.

“It’s a community event, the cheapest place to entertain yourself in Hays, Kansas,” Harper said. “We do entertain.”

Harper said he is asked by opposing coaches how the Larks draw so well, how they create such a good atmosphere. It’s a lot of hard work through the years, is his standard reply.

“Because of the passion, the money that’s been donated, the families who take care of these kids,” Harper said, “we’ve built a little monster at Larks Park.”

After a Larks’ home win, Frank Sinatra’s song “New York, New York,” can be heard blaring over the loudspeakers. That’s not by happenstance. It's a tribute to Leo, a New York City native and Yankee fan who came to Hays to play baseball at Fort Hays.

Ken Windholz–public address announcer for Fort Hays State University football and basketball games for the past 25 years–also has been the PA guy for Larks’ home games since 2013.

When Windholz took over announcing duties, he wanted the atmosphere at Larks Park to feel like a baseball game.

That’s where his treasure trove of recorded music comes into play. Windholz typically plays only about one-fourth of the songs he has on his laptop on any given night. What is happening on the field helps determine what songs to play.

“It has to fit the occasion, pick the crowd up,” Windholz said. “We play songs that are contemporary and some throwback stuff, nostalgic baseball songs.”

“I do have a game plan,” he added. “I do have songs that I use at exact intervals.”

Indeed, there are some songs that have become staples. In addition to “New York, New York,” before the home half of the eighth inning, fans can sing along to one of their favorites, Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”

Don’t be surprised to hear “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” and if one fan who usually shows up wearing a chicken mask is in attendance, you can count on the “Chicken Dance,” with the fan dancing for the crowd. Then there is “The Old Ball Park,” an original theme song just for the Larks.

The passion Windholz has for the Larks began when he attended games at Larks Park as a child. That passion for the team continues to this day.

Back in the day, as a youngster, Windholz had a job running the manual scoreboard beyond the fence in left field and would often ask to be the bat boy, too.

Larks Park became Windholz’s own field of dreams one summer night when the barnstorming Kansas City Monarchs came to town for an exhibition game with the Larks. Satchel Paige, a star pitcher in the Negro Leagues, was billed to pitch for the Monarchs.

Windholz was the bat boy for the Monarchs that evening, and along about the third inning, guess who slowly came ambling into the dugout? None other than Satchel Paige.

A few innings later, Paige motioned to Windholz to play catch with him so he could warm up before pitching.

Not even a teenager yet, Windholz had trouble catching Paige’s deliveries; he was known for his hesitation pitch, which befuddled batters.

“He threw about eight or 10 pitches, which I dropped,” Windholz said. “One thing I remember about his motion was how tall and lanky he was, and he threw the ball kind of like a slingshot. It would take off halfway to my mitt. That’s why I dropped it.”

After Paige made short work of the Larks, the star-struck boy from Hays had him autograph a baseball, which Windholz still has to this day.

Larks players these days will stick around and sign autographs for young fans. After all, they’re part of the family.

“We really encourage the family concept,” Windholz said. “The host families feel a part of it, too. Almost everything has a family-related theme to it.”

Players, coaches and fans all agree having players stay the summer with a family helps encourage that family feeling.

Deb Weatherbee’s family has played host to a Larks player for many a summer. She and her husband, Gary, and their three children have shared their home with a Lark since 1992. Often, a player will spend more than one summer with the same family.

The Weatherbees’ kids enjoyed having a player live with them.

“It was fun,” Weatherbee said. “They were like brothers. It was such a family thing.”

“They ate dinner with us,” she added. “They went to church with us.”

When their time in Hays was done, that did not mean the relationship was over.

“As our Larks move on, we keep in contact with almost all of them,” Weatherbee said.

Jessica and Kalor Moore, along with their 8-year-old son, Darrick, are hosting their first summer with a Larks player. They learned a Lark needed a home, and they offered theirs to pitcher Brooks Jones.

“We just reached out and said we would do it,” Jessica said. “It’s nice to know a player out there.”

The Moores feel that family atmosphere at the old ball park.

“Just the environment, the community coming together,” Jessica said, “that really makes a difference.”

As for Darrick, who likes having an older “brother” around the house, he just enjoys coming out to a game.

“I like being able to watch the players and hang out with my family,” he said.

Kalor said it’s nice to have Jones around, having an only child.

“We have a young son at home. We thought it would be good to give him someone to look up to,” Kalor said. “Brooks has essentially become part of our family.”

Jones has an older sister. Darrick has become his “little brother” this summer.

“I play video games and have Nerf gun battles with him,” Jones said. “It’s been a great time with him.”

Darrick said he wants to be a baseball player and play in the outfield. Look out, Larks, in about 10 years, you just might have him on your roster.

Dylan LaRue is in his first summer playing for the Larks. He was supposed to be with the team last year, but was injured playing college ball in the spring. He stays with the Windholz family, just like his older brother, Tyler, who stayed with them for two summers.

Dylan appreciates the fans, who come out in droves. For a weekend game, there might be more than a thousand in attendance, munching on Larks burgers and rooting for the beverage batter to get a hit.

“It’s been amazing,” he said. “The atmosphere, you can’t beat it as far as summer ball goes. It’s a blast being able to play in front of all the fans.”

LaRue also appreciates having a host family.

“Just having people welcoming us into their homes, taking care of us for the summer, it’s really a blessing,” he said. “They don’t have to do it, but they do it out of the goodness of their hearts.”

Outfielder Kaleb Duncan is playing in his second summer in Hays, and is staying with Daryl Gregg. Having host families helps the players, Duncan said.

“It’s definitely beneficial,” he said. “Anytime you’ve got a place to call home, just knowing they’re a second family, support you every game, is extremely beneficial.”

Jones appreciates having his very own cheering section when he is pitching.

“Every single time I’m on the mound, I hear my name being called on, which I think is a pretty cool thing,” he said. “After the game, everybody is talking to you, like a family.”

The Larks don’t have to worry about playing before a near-empty grandstand for home games.

Several hundred to more than a thousand fans come to cheer on their favorite team. Some sit in the stands. Others line up their lawn chairs along the fence.

On a recent hot, summer evening, Richard Lamb and his daughter, Jessica, were sitting in the top row of seats at a game, under the shade provided by the press box. Richard has been going to Larks games since he moved back to Kansas from Vermont 15 years ago.&nbsp;

“It’s really not (just) a ball game. It’s a social gathering,” Richard said. “The people just have a great time.”

“It’s a small town, a family atmosphere, all the players have host families they stay with all summer,” he added. “It’s a family thing.”

Jessica, who lived in Vermont, would go to Larks games as a kid when she visited Hays.

NWester: Larks ‘family’ creates magical summer in Hays

HAYS
– The Hays Larks hit four home runs, stole seven bases and finished off the
weekend and season sweep of the Denver Cougars with a 12-5 win Sunday night at
Larks Park. The Larks extended their winning streak to 13 straight games overall
and have now won 15 straight at home.

After
both teams scored a run in the first, the Larks got two in the third to take
the lead for good. Jackson Babcock, who had four of the Larks 17 hits and
finished with five RBIs, drove in his first run on a double to right field to
give Hays a 2-1 lead. Wilbert Espinal followed with an RBI single to center.

The
Larks (28-4-1, 20-4 RMBL) blew the game open with a six run fourth which
included a pair of two-run homers from Kaleb Duncan and Espinal.

After
the Cougars (10-21, 8-16 RMBL) scored a run in the sixth, the Larks answered
with two in the bottom of the inning on solo homers from Babcock and Brady
Kreutzer.

Denver
struck for three more in the top of the seventh, but the Larks added a run in
the eighth on a Babcock double for the final score.

Larks
starting pitcher Julio Ramos (2-1) allowed one run on two hits with seven
strikeouts and two walks over five innings and picked up the win. Ryan Hanks
gave up four runs on five hits over 1 1/3 innings of relief. Jordan Stribling allowed
three hits over 2 2/3 scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks to
close the game out.

The
Larks had 17 hits in the game, their third straight game of double-figure hits
and 24th overall this summer.

The
Larks sweep the weekend series and take all five of their games with the Cougars
this season.

The
Larks close out the regular season Monday night at home against the Dodge City
A’s. Free admission for the 7:00 p.m. game courtesy of Pepsi, Walmart, Ellis
County Councils-Knights of Columbus and Vyve Broadband. It’s also the final
night for Pack the Pantry. Fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food
item which will be donated to the Community Assistance Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsHAYS
– The Hays Larks hit four home runs, stole seven bases and finished off the
weekend and season sweep of the Denver Cougars with a 12-5 win Sunday night at
Larks Park. The Larks extended their winning streak to 13 straight games overall
and have now won 15 straight at home.After
both teams scored a run in the first, the Larks got two in the third to take
the lead for good. Jackson Babcock, who had four of the Larks 17 hits and
finished with five RBIs, drove in his first run on a double to right field to
give Hays a 2-1 lead. Wilbert Espinal followed with an RBI single to center.The
Larks (28-4-1, 20-4 RMBL) blew the game open with a six run fourth which
included a pair of two-run homers from Kaleb Duncan and Espinal.After
the Cougars (10-21, 8-16 RMBL) scored a run in the sixth, the Larks answered
with two in the bottom of the inning on solo homers from Babcock and Brady
Kreutzer.Denver
struck for three more in the top of the seventh, but the Larks added a run in
the eighth on a Babcock double for the final score.Larks
starting pitcher Julio Ramos (2-1) allowed one run on two hits with seven
strikeouts and two walks over five innings and picked up the win. Ryan Hanks
gave up four runs on five hits over 1 1/3 innings of relief. Jordan Stribling allowed
three hits over 2 2/3 scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks to
close the game out.HIT
PARADEThe
Larks had 17 hits in the game, their third straight game of double-figure hits
and 24th overall this summer.SEASON
SWEEPThe
Larks sweep the weekend series and take all five of their games with the Cougars
this season.UP
NEXTThe
Larks close out the regular season Monday night at home against the Dodge City
A’s. Free admission for the 7:00 p.m. game courtesy of Pepsi, Walmart, Ellis
County Councils-Knights of Columbus and Vyve Broadband. It’s also the final
night for Pack the Pantry. Fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food
item which will be donated to the Community Assistance Center.

⚾ Larks hit 4 homers, finish off sweep of Cougars

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Rashee Rice will be a full participant in training camp, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Sunday, three days after the standout wide receiver was sentenced to 30 days in jail after authorities said he and another speeding driver caused a chain-reaction crash that left multiple people injured on a Dallas highway last year.

Whether he will be able to fully participate in the regular season remains to be seen.

Reid said on the eve of camp beginning that he has not been told by the NFL whether Rice will serve a suspension, though it is widely expected. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy acknowledged last week "we have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review.”

“We're going to progress as normal with him,” Reid said on the campus of Missouri Western State University. “He'll go in and take all the reps that he'll normally take. We always rotate that position. Depending on what happens here with the future — whoever needs to play will step in and know what they are doing and be in good shape to do it.”

Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury in the March 30, 2024, crash. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors said, Rice was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail as a condition of his probation.

The Dallas County District Attorney's Office said that the 25-year-old Rice, who will have some flexibility in when he must serve the jail time, also was required to pay the victims for their out-of-pocket medical expenses, which totaled about $115,000.

Rice was driving a Lamborghini Urus SUV at 119 mph (191 kph) when he made “multiple aggressive maneuvers around traffic” and struck other vehicles, prosecutors said. After the crash on North Central Expressway, prosecutors said, Rice failed to check on the welfare of those in the other vehicles and fled on foot.

Rice said in a statement issued by his attorney that he’s had “a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole.”

Rice got off to a flying start to his second NFL season last year, catching 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games. But in Week 4, after Patrick Mahomes had thrown an interception, the quarterback accidentally dived into Rice's leg as they were trying to make the tackle, tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his knee.

Rice wound up missing the rest of the season, which culminated in a loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.

After spending the season rehabbing the injury, Rice was able to participate in the Chiefs' offseason program, and Reid said he would not be limited by the injury in training camp. That begins with testing and meetings on Tuesday, followed by the first full-squad workout on Wednesday, when temperatures are expected to hit triple digits.

“We'll keep an eye on that,” Reid said of Rice's knee injury. “As far as pulling back because of suspensions or whatever, you know, we're going forward. And then we'll monitor him as far as (the injury) goes.”

In other news, Reid said that cornerback Kristian Fulton and right tackle Jawaan Taylor — who are dealing with their own knee injuries — would begin the season alongside tight end Tre Watson on the physically unable-to-perform list.

Fulton signed a two-year, $20 million contract to solidify the secondary while Taylor is expected to start at right tackle.

Reid also said first-round pick Josh Simmons, who is coming off a torn patellar tendon at Ohio State, would not be limited at the start of training camp. The Chiefs hope that Simmons is able to prove he can handle the job at left tackle, where a rotating cast of characters was unable to protect Mahomes' blind side last season.

With Taylor on the PUP list, the Chiefs will start with Simmons at left tackle and Jaylon Moore — who signed a two-year, $30 million deal in free agency — at right tackle. But it's possible that Moore could push Simmons for the starting job on the left side during training camp in what could be the biggest position battle for the defending AFC champions.

"We evaluate these guys every day," Reid said. “Whether it's a light practice or a hard day, they're evaluated, and graded, and so on. We’ll see how it all sorts out.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753101453709.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice carries after a catch during warmups before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sept. 15, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice carries after a catch during warmups before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sept. 15, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Rashee Rice will be a full participant in training camp, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Sunday, three days after the standout wide receiver was sentenced to 30 days in jail after authorities said he and another speeding driver caused a chain-reaction crash that left multiple people injured on a Dallas highway last year.Whether he will be able to fully participate in the regular season remains to be seen.Reid said on the eve of camp beginning that he has not been told by the NFL whether Rice will serve a suspension, though it is widely expected. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy acknowledged last week "we have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review.”“We're going to progress as normal with him,” Reid said on the campus of Missouri Western State University. “He'll go in and take all the reps that he'll normally take. We always rotate that position. Depending on what happens here with the future — whoever needs to play will step in and know what they are doing and be in good shape to do it.”Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury in the March 30, 2024, crash. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors said, Rice was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail as a condition of his probation.The Dallas County District Attorney's Office said that the 25-year-old Rice, who will have some flexibility in when he must serve the jail time, also was required to pay the victims for their out-of-pocket medical expenses, which totaled about $115,000.Rice was driving a Lamborghini Urus SUV at 119 mph (191 kph) when he made “multiple aggressive maneuvers around traffic” and struck other vehicles, prosecutors said. After the crash on North Central Expressway, prosecutors said, Rice failed to check on the welfare of those in the other vehicles and fled on foot.Rice said in a statement issued by his attorney that he’s had “a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole.”Rice got off to a flying start to his second NFL season last year, catching 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games. But in Week 4, after Patrick Mahomes had thrown an interception, the quarterback accidentally dived into Rice's leg as they were trying to make the tackle, tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his knee.Rice wound up missing the rest of the season, which culminated in a loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.After spending the season rehabbing the injury, Rice was able to participate in the Chiefs' offseason program, and Reid said he would not be limited by the injury in training camp. That begins with testing and meetings on Tuesday, followed by the first full-squad workout on Wednesday, when temperatures are expected to hit triple digits.“We'll keep an eye on that,” Reid said of Rice's knee injury. “As far as pulling back because of suspensions or whatever, you know, we're going forward. And then we'll monitor him as far as (the injury) goes.”In other news, Reid said that cornerback Kristian Fulton and right tackle Jawaan Taylor — who are dealing with their own knee injuries — would begin the season alongside tight end Tre Watson on the physically unable-to-perform list.Fulton signed a two-year, $20 million contract to solidify the secondary while Taylor is expected to start at right tackle.Reid also said first-round pick Josh Simmons, who is coming off a torn patellar tendon at Ohio State, would not be limited at the start of training camp. The Chiefs hope that Simmons is able to prove he can handle the job at left tackle, where a rotating cast of characters was unable to protect Mahomes' blind side last season.With Taylor on the PUP list, the Chiefs will start with Simmons at left tackle and Jaylon Moore — who signed a two-year, $30 million deal in free agency — at right tackle. But it's possible that Moore could push Simmons for the starting job on the left side during training camp in what could be the biggest position battle for the defending AFC champions."We evaluate these guys every day," Reid said. “Whether it's a light practice or a hard day, they're evaluated, and graded, and so on. We’ll see how it all sorts out.”

🏈 Chiefs' Rashee Rice to participate in training camp despite jail sentence

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and defensive end George Karlaftis agreed to a four-year, $93 million contract that includes $62 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday, keeping one of the best young players on the roster through the 2030 season.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal, which was agreed to the same day that the players reported to training camp at Missouri Western State University, is still pending a physical.

“He's a heck of a player and he's done a great job here, and he's profiting from that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “And our team has profited from him being around. So it's a win-win.”

It is the second high-profile contract that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has finished in the past week. The Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-trey-smith-contract-e5eb206475631a54933a321f6271478b">signed Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith</a>&nbsp;to a four-year, $94 million extension on Tuesday, setting the market for his position.

Karlaftis, the second of two first-round picks by the Chiefs in the 2022 draft, has started 44 of his 49 regular-season games for them. His best season came two years ago, when he had 10 1/2 sacks while starting every game, while he had eight sacks in 16 games last season, helping the Chiefs to reach a third consecutive Super Bowl.

Karlaftis has rings from the first two of them. The Chiefs lost to the Eagles in their latest Super Bowl in February.

“I mean, he's always been a consistent player. Always a relentless player,” Reid said. “You know what you're going to get with George. He's smart. Relentless. You can trust him. You can trust that he's going to be there and do the right things.”

Karlaftis is the first of a heralded 2022 draft class in Kansas City to sign a new contract, though he's not expected to be the last.

The Chiefs are interested in signing their initial first-round pick that year, Trent McDuffie, to a long-term deal. The cornerback was a first-team All-Pro two years ago and a second-team pick last year, and he has emerged as not only one of the premier slot defenders in the NFL but a versatile, capable defensive back who can player just about anywhere on the team.

What could complicate the negotiations is the fact that the Jets recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-sauce-gardner-contract-e11d183c65c44ced4a3ce9d5bcdf5f95">signed cornerback Sauce Gardner</a>&nbsp;to a record-setting four-year, $120.4 million extension. McDuffie is likely to demand a contract that meets or potentially exceeds that deal.

“The tough job is to juggle all that, the financial part of it,” Reid said, “but we love having that. Continuity is a big thing with your young players. Veach has done a real nice job with his group in the drafts, so you sort all of that out.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753101235628.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis celebrates a sack against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis celebrates a sack against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and defensive end George Karlaftis agreed to a four-year, $93 million contract that includes $62 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday, keeping one of the best young players on the roster through the 2030 season.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal, which was agreed to the same day that the players reported to training camp at Missouri Western State University, is still pending a physical.“He's a heck of a player and he's done a great job here, and he's profiting from that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “And our team has profited from him being around. So it's a win-win.”It is the second high-profile contract that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has finished in the past week. The Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-trey-smith-contract-e5eb206475631a54933a321f6271478b">signed Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith</a>&nbsp;to a four-year, $94 million extension on Tuesday, setting the market for his position.Karlaftis, the second of two first-round picks by the Chiefs in the 2022 draft, has started 44 of his 49 regular-season games for them. His best season came two years ago, when he had 10 1/2 sacks while starting every game, while he had eight sacks in 16 games last season, helping the Chiefs to reach a third consecutive Super Bowl.Karlaftis has rings from the first two of them. The Chiefs lost to the Eagles in their latest Super Bowl in February.“I mean, he's always been a consistent player. Always a relentless player,” Reid said. “You know what you're going to get with George. He's smart. Relentless. You can trust him. You can trust that he's going to be there and do the right things.”Karlaftis is the first of a heralded 2022 draft class in Kansas City to sign a new contract, though he's not expected to be the last.The Chiefs are interested in signing their initial first-round pick that year, Trent McDuffie, to a long-term deal. The cornerback was a first-team All-Pro two years ago and a second-team pick last year, and he has emerged as not only one of the premier slot defenders in the NFL but a versatile, capable defensive back who can player just about anywhere on the team.What could complicate the negotiations is the fact that the Jets recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-sauce-gardner-contract-e11d183c65c44ced4a3ce9d5bcdf5f95">signed cornerback Sauce Gardner</a>&nbsp;to a record-setting four-year, $120.4 million extension. McDuffie is likely to demand a contract that meets or potentially exceeds that deal.“The tough job is to juggle all that, the financial part of it,” Reid said, “but we love having that. Continuity is a big thing with your young players. Veach has done a real nice job with his group in the drafts, so you sort all of that out.”

🏈 Chiefs and defensive end George Karlaftis agree to 4-year, $93M contract

MIAMI (AP) — Kris Bubic pitched five shutout innings, Salvador Perez homered and doubled and the Kansas City Royals beat Miami 7-4 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep and end the Marlins' winning streak at four.

Bubic (8-6) gave up three hits and a walk. Andrew Hoffmann came on in the ninth and gave up four runs — none earned — in two-thirds of an inning before Carlos Estévez got the final out for his 26th save.

Perez hit his 15th homer of the season in the eighth.

Kansas City took a 3-0 lead in the fourth, and made it 6-0 in the fifth.

In the fourth, Bobby Witt Jr. scored on Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly, Perez hit a ground-rule double and Jac Caglianone followed with a two-run double off starter Janson Junk (4-2). In the fifth, Jonathan India had a two-run double and Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI sacrifice fly.

Xavier Edwards and Agustín Ramírez each had two RBIs for Miami.

After India popped out to open the fourth, Witt hit his major league-leading 33 double of the season and moved to third on a single by Pasquantino to spark Kansas City's three-run fourth inning.

The Royals, who went into the game with the fourth-most doubles (172) in the major leagues behind the Boston Red Sox (202), Arizona Diamondbacks (178) and New York Yankees (175), had five doubles by five players.

Miami's Eury Pérez (3-2, 3.18 ERA) was scheduled to start Monday night at home against San Diego. Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.31) was set to start for Kansas City on Monday night in Chicago against the Cubs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753051874824.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) gestures as he scores after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) gestures as he scores after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI (AP) — Kris Bubic pitched five shutout innings, Salvador Perez homered and doubled and the Kansas City Royals beat Miami 7-4 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep and end the Marlins' winning streak at four.Bubic (8-6) gave up three hits and a walk. Andrew Hoffmann came on in the ninth and gave up four runs — none earned — in two-thirds of an inning before Carlos Estévez got the final out for his 26th save.Perez hit his 15th homer of the season in the eighth.Kansas City took a 3-0 lead in the fourth, and made it 6-0 in the fifth.In the fourth, Bobby Witt Jr. scored on Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly, Perez hit a ground-rule double and Jac Caglianone followed with a two-run double off starter Janson Junk (4-2). In the fifth, Jonathan India had a two-run double and Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI sacrifice fly.Xavier Edwards and Agustín Ramírez each had two RBIs for Miami.<h2>Key moment</h2>After India popped out to open the fourth, Witt hit his major league-leading 33 double of the season and moved to third on a single by Pasquantino to spark Kansas City's three-run fourth inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals, who went into the game with the fourth-most doubles (172) in the major leagues behind the Boston Red Sox (202), Arizona Diamondbacks (178) and New York Yankees (175), had five doubles by five players.<h2>Up next</h2>Miami's Eury Pérez (3-2, 3.18 ERA) was scheduled to start Monday night at home against San Diego. Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.31) was set to start for Kansas City on Monday night in Chicago against the Cubs.

⚾ Bubic pitches 5 scoreless innings, Perez homers to help the Royals beat the Marlins

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

Sunday, July 20
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Miami Marlins, 12:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday, July 20
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Miami Marlins, 12:00pm

HAYS – The Hays Larks built a big lead then held off a ninth
inning Denver rally and beat the Cougars 9-6 in the middle game of their three-game
series at Larks Park.

The Larks (27-4-1, 19-4 RMBL) ran their winning streak to 12
straight overall and 14 straight at home. The Cougars (10-20, 8-15 RMBL) drop
their third straight and are winless in five tries versus the Larks this season.

Paul Smith got the Larks on the board with a two-run homer
in the fourth. Lorenzo Rios added and RBI double and CJ Reid a run scoring
triple to push the lead to 4-0.

After Denver scored a run in the top of the fifth, the Larks
answered with two in the bottom of the inning on a pair of groundouts.

The Larks plated two in the sixth on a Kaleb Duncan RBI
double and Wilbert Espinal two-run home run to push the lead to 9-1.

The Cougars put together a rally in the ninth with a solo
and three-run homer. They then got a two-out, two-run double to pull within
three. Adrian Najar got a strikeout to end the rally and the game.

Trent Baker (3-1) allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts
and four walks over the first five innings and picked up the win. Brooks Jones followed
with two scoreless innings. Adrian Najar gave up five runs on six hits with
five strikeouts and two walks over the final two frames.

Lorenzo Rios had three of the Larks 15 hits. Wilbert Espinal
and Paul Smith both drove in three runs.

The Larks go for the season sweep of the Cougars Sunday night when they wrap up the series at 6:00 p.m. Admission
is free courtesy of Meier Electric, Ellis Estates and Bruckner Truck Sales. Fans are encouraged
to bring a non-perishable food item which will be donated to the Community
Assistance Center.

Hays Post SportsHAYS – The Hays Larks built a big lead then held off a ninth
inning Denver rally and beat the Cougars 9-6 in the middle game of their three-game
series at Larks Park.The Larks (27-4-1, 19-4 RMBL) ran their winning streak to 12
straight overall and 14 straight at home. The Cougars (10-20, 8-15 RMBL) drop
their third straight and are winless in five tries versus the Larks this season.Paul Smith got the Larks on the board with a two-run homer
in the fourth. Lorenzo Rios added and RBI double and CJ Reid a run scoring
triple to push the lead to 4-0.After Denver scored a run in the top of the fifth, the Larks
answered with two in the bottom of the inning on a pair of groundouts.The Larks plated two in the sixth on a Kaleb Duncan RBI
double and Wilbert Espinal two-run home run to push the lead to 9-1.The Cougars put together a rally in the ninth with a solo
and three-run homer. They then got a two-out, two-run double to pull within
three. Adrian Najar got a strikeout to end the rally and the game.Trent Baker (3-1) allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts
and four walks over the first five innings and picked up the win. Brooks Jones followed
with two scoreless innings. Adrian Najar gave up five runs on six hits with
five strikeouts and two walks over the final two frames.Lorenzo Rios had three of the Larks 15 hits. Wilbert Espinal
and Paul Smith both drove in three runs.UP NEXTThe Larks go for the season sweep of the Cougars Sunday night when they wrap up the series at 6:00 p.m. Admission
is free courtesy of Meier Electric, Ellis Estates and Bruckner Truck Sales. Fans are encouraged
to bring a non-perishable food item which will be donated to the Community
Assistance Center.

⚾ Larks hold off ninth inning rally to beat Cougars

MIAMI (AP) — Otto López hit a go-ahead two-run double in the eighth inning and the Miami Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Saturday.

Xavier Edwards tripled and doubled for the Marlins, who won their fourth straight and are 21-10 since June 13. Miami’s Kyle Stowers doubled and had two walks after hitting five homers in the last two games.

Salvador Pérez homered for the Royals’ run.

Graham Pauley drew a leadoff walk against Kansas City reliever Lucas Erceg (4-3) in the eighth before he advanced two bases on Edwards’ double. After Jesús Sánchez was intentionally walked, López hit a drive over left-fielder Nick Loftin to score Pauley and Edwards.

Anthony Bender closed with a perfect ninth for his third save.

Pérez hit a leadoff blast against Miami reliever Ronny Henriquez (6-1) in the eighth to tie it at 1-all. Pérez drove Henriquez’s fastball over the wall in center for his 14th homer of the season.

Miami starter Cal Quantrill allowed two hits and struck out three over six scoreless innings. Quantrill retired the last 10 batters he faced and was lifted after 69 pitches. He remains winless since May 18.

The Marlins struck quickly against Royals starter Michael Wacha on López’s RBI groundout in the first. Edwards tripled and sprinted home on López’s dribbler to third.

Wacha scattered three hits and struck out one in six innings.

Edwards had an automatic strike called against him for a clock violation before his double in the eighth.

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was hitless in four at-bats, ending his road hitting streak at 27 games.

LHP Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.48) will start the series finale for the Royals on Sunday against Marlins RHP Janson Junk (4-1, 2.68).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752969360314.jpeg" alt="Miami Marlins' Otto Lopez hits a double to bring in two runs in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)" />
 <figcaption>Miami Marlins' Otto Lopez hits a double to bring in two runs in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI (AP) — Otto López hit a go-ahead two-run double in the eighth inning and the Miami Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Saturday.Xavier Edwards tripled and doubled for the Marlins, who won their fourth straight and are 21-10 since June 13. Miami’s Kyle Stowers doubled and had two walks after hitting five homers in the last two games.Salvador Pérez homered for the Royals’ run.Graham Pauley drew a leadoff walk against Kansas City reliever Lucas Erceg (4-3) in the eighth before he advanced two bases on Edwards’ double. After Jesús Sánchez was intentionally walked, López hit a drive over left-fielder Nick Loftin to score Pauley and Edwards.Anthony Bender closed with a perfect ninth for his third save.Pérez hit a leadoff blast against Miami reliever Ronny Henriquez (6-1) in the eighth to tie it at 1-all. Pérez drove Henriquez’s fastball over the wall in center for his 14th homer of the season.Miami starter Cal Quantrill allowed two hits and struck out three over six scoreless innings. Quantrill retired the last 10 batters he faced and was lifted after 69 pitches. He remains winless since May 18.The Marlins struck quickly against Royals starter Michael Wacha on López’s RBI groundout in the first. Edwards tripled and sprinted home on López’s dribbler to third.Wacha scattered three hits and struck out one in six innings.Key momentEdwards had an automatic strike called against him for a clock violation before his double in the eighth.Key statRoyals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was hitless in four at-bats, ending his road hitting streak at 27 games.Up nextLHP Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.48) will start the series finale for the Royals on Sunday against Marlins RHP Janson Junk (4-1, 2.68).

⚾ Otto López's tie-breaking two-run double in 8th lifts Marlins to win over Royals

The Hays Larks host the Denver Cougars in the second game of a Rocky Mountain Baseball League series matchup at Larks Park Saturday night.

The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. from Larks Park.

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>The Hays Larks host the Denver Cougars in the second game of a Rocky Mountain Baseball League series matchup at Larks Park Saturday night.The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. from Larks Park.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 hosts Denver

🎥 Meet the Larks Trent Baker

🎥 Meet the Larks Thomas Lyssy

Saturday, July 19
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Miami Marlins, 2:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;Saturday, July 19
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Miami Marlins, 2:30pmSunday, July 20
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Miami Marlins, 12:00pm

HAYS – Lane Sparks and Brady Kreutzer each connect on eighth-inning
grand slams as the Larks knocked off the Denver Cougars 12-1 Friday night at
Larks Park.

The Larks (26-4-1, 18-4 RMBL) and the Cougars played an evenly
matched game for six inning with the Larks holding a 1-0 lead heading into the
bottom of the seventh inning.

Hays’ lone run coming on a Wilbert Espinal RBI single in the
fourth inning.

Leading 1-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning
the Larks added two more runs, scoring on back-to-back RBI singles by Trent
Baker and Jackson Babcock.

Denver got a run back in the top of the eighth inning but
with the Larks leading 3-1 Hays blew the game wide open in the bottom of the
inning.

The Larks offense exploded for nine runs in the inning.

The Larks loaded the bases with a single and back-to-back
walks and then after an out, Sparks homered to right field for a grand slam,
making it 7-1 Larks. 

After another walk, a Jackson Babcock singled home a run putting
Hays up 8-1.

Two batters later, after back-to-back walks, Kreutzer delivered
a grand slam to left, giving Hays the 12-1 walk-off run-rule victory.

Kreutzer finished one-for-one with two runs scored and a
grand slam. Four Larks collected a pair of hits and Kreutzer and Sparks each
drove in four runs.

Hays Post SportsHAYS – Lane Sparks and Brady Kreutzer each connect on eighth-inning
grand slams as the Larks knocked off the Denver Cougars 12-1 Friday night at
Larks Park.The Larks (26-4-1, 18-4 RMBL) and the Cougars played an evenly
matched game for six inning with the Larks holding a 1-0 lead heading into the
bottom of the seventh inning.Hays’ lone run coming on a Wilbert Espinal RBI single in the
fourth inning.Leading 1-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning
the Larks added two more runs, scoring on back-to-back RBI singles by Trent
Baker and Jackson Babcock.Denver got a run back in the top of the eighth inning but
with the Larks leading 3-1 Hays blew the game wide open in the bottom of the
inning.The Larks offense exploded for nine runs in the inning.The Larks loaded the bases with a single and back-to-back
walks and then after an out, Sparks homered to right field for a grand slam,
making it 7-1 Larks. After another walk, a Jackson Babcock singled home a run putting
Hays up 8-1.Two batters later, after back-to-back walks, Kreutzer delivered
a grand slam to left, giving Hays the 12-1 walk-off run-rule victory.Kreutzer finished one-for-one with two runs scored and a
grand slam. Four Larks collected a pair of hits and Kreutzer and Sparks each
drove in four runs.Nick Gray earned the win for the Larks, allowing just two
hits with two strikeouts in five shutout innings.Hays hosts Denver in the second of a three-game series
Saturday at Larks Park.