Commerce helps celebrate KC baseball history at Royals Hall of Fame Weekend

Tallis and Scheuerholz were honored during a special ceremony on Friday, June 28, before the Royals’ game against the Cleveland Guardians. The evening was capped off by fireworks display. On Saturday, June 29, Jackson was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame before the second game of the weekend series against Cleveland.

Curt Nelson, the senior director of the Royals Hall of Fame, says it was one of the most special weekends of the year. “There are so many stories and moments and so many interesting people who have been part of the history of the Kansas City Royals,” he says. “This was our opportunity to recognize the people who made extraordinary contributions to the club and give them our highest honor.”

Jackson was a cultural phenomenon during his playing days: a two-sport athlete who excelled at baseball and football at the highest professional level. Tallis was the first general manager in Royals history and was responsible for acquiring many of the team’s legendary players. As the team’s third general manager, Schuerholz assembled the roster that won the franchise’s first championship in 1985.

“One of the things that makes this weekend great is that we invite our previous inductees to the ceremonies as well,” says Nelson. “It’s a special fraternity of people and having them here alongside the new inductees is a lot of fun.”

Commerce Bank has a long history with the Royals. “We are deeply committed to the Kansas City region, and proud to support one of our hometown teams through Royals Hall of Fame Weekend presented by Commerce Bank,” said Kevin Barth, chairman and CEO of Commerce Bank — Kansas City. “Having served as the ‘Banking Services Provider of the Kansas City Royals’ since the team’s official founding in 1969, this partnership is a reflection of the focus we place on relationships and meeting customers' needs — whether inside the stadium or around the region.”

In addition to sponsoring the Hall of Fame Weekend, Commerce is also the presenting sponsor of the Royals Hall of Fame itself. “When we celebrate our history, we’re celebrating something that makes Kansas City great,” says Nelson. “It brings us together. And that’s really where the partnership with Commerce Bank comes in, because Commerce is an institution in Kansas City as well. We’re honored that Commerce Bank is with us for Royals Hall of Fame Weekend.”

As Nelson explains, the Royals Hall of Fame, located inside Kauffman Stadium, represents an opportunity for fans to learn about the history of baseball in Kansas City. “When you visit, you get immersed in Royals history, but it’s even more than that,” he says. “We like to say that baseball wasn’t invented in 1969, when the Royals were founded. We are the inheritors of a great Kansas City baseball tradition, which goes all the way back to 1884.”

The Royals Hall of Fame includes artifacts, images and videos that help today’s fans connect with players and stories from the past. “Our two World Series trophies are there, and they are some of my favorite items on display,” Nelson says. “We also have George Brett’s first uniform from when he was playing in the Royals’ minor league system. It’s a great collection, and there’s so much to see.”

Nelson recommends the Royals Hall of Fame for any fan. “Next time you’re here at Kauffman Stadium, you really should come see it,” he says. “You can learn some Royals history, share some Royals history, and just take in what baseball in Kansas City means to this community. And go Royals!”