Michael A. Taylor’s walk-off home run in extra innings wasn’t the only thing to celebrate at Kauffman Stadium the evening of July 28, 2021. The announced 13,626 fans in attendance were also treated to a celebration of Jewish Heritage, courtesy of Mensch on a Bench bobbleheads and participation from The J - Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City.
The evening kicked off with a pre-game tailgate hosted by The J. 170 guests enjoyed kosher barbeque catered by Ellenberg Experience Catering and Food Truck. Kansas City Royals mascot Sluggerrr made a special appearance during the meal, rolling into the tailgate on a scoote.
“Everyone loved it – all of the kids and adults were waving at him and taking photos,” said Stacey Belzer, director of family engagement at The J.
Following the tailgate, everyone made their way into the stadium. Those with theme tickets proceeded to pick up their “Mensch on a Bench” bobbleheads. The bobbleheads were a hot commodity, with many members of the Jewish community and bobblehead collectors upset that the theme tickets sold out before they could get their hands on the souvenir. Only 300 bobbleheads were available for the game.
“It was crazy at the gate where we retrieved our bobbleheads,” said Jennifer Schlozman, who attended the game with her husband and two children. “We had people offering us money and trades for them!”
As part of their involvement with the event, The J was able to choose honorees to be featured during the evening. Before the game began, Diane Azorsky and Scott Slabotsky were interviewed during the pre-game show “Royals Countdown,” which was broadcast on the Crown Vision video board and on television screens throughout the stadium. Scott Buchbinder was selected to throw out the first pitch and Larry Silver was on hand to catch it.
“I felt honored to represent the Polsky family while attempting to catch the first pitch,” said Larry Silver. “Spending time with community members before and after the game was really a treat, too. I hope that was the first of many ‘J At The K’ nights to come.”
“I’m not sure which of my boys had more fun at J at the K,” said Renee Polsky Silver. “Larry catching the first pitch or Nathan cheering for his daddy… What a special night of fun and sweating, and some normalcy.”
Aniya Henson, winner of The J’s annual fundraiser KC SuperStar, sang the national anthem and Howard Jacobson sat in the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat.
“We had such a fun night at J at the K,” Schlozman said. “We’re loving our mensch on the bench bobbleheads and memories made being together with our community. Much love and admiration to Stacey Belzer for her hard work in making this night happen. And thanks for the W, Royals!”
The first Jewish Community Night to be hosted by the Royals was originally planned for 2020, according to Belzer, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The J is already in conversations with the Royals to plan next year’s event.
“It was incredible to look up at our section, with more than 200 people in it. I felt such pride in our community,” Belzer said. “Then knowing that there were even more Jews scattered throughout the stadium and watching from home – it was wonderful for the Royals to acknowledge our robust Kansas City Jewish community in such a fun way. And the win was the icing on the cake.”
