Bobby Witt Jr. Channels Childhood With Pablo Sanchez Bat

Royals Star's Backyard Baseball Tribute

Royals Shortstop Honored Childhood Hero

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. paid homage to his favorite childhood video game, Backyard Baseball, during Players Weekend by using a Pablo Sanchez bat. The move was a sentimental gesture for the MLB star, who credits the game with inspiring his love of the sport.

Witt Jr.'s Impressive Performance

Witt Jr.'s tribute to Sanchez extended beyond the bat. He went yard for the Royals on Friday night, collecting three hits and upping his MLB-best average to .352. The performance capped an impressive July for the young shortstop, who batted .489 with 16 extra-base hits, slotting him into the league's top tier of hitters.

Backyard Baseball's Influence

Backyard Baseball, released in 1997, was a revolutionary game that introduced a new generation to baseball. Its simple gameplay, colorful characters, and humorous commentary made it a beloved classic. Witt Jr. was among the millions of children who grew up playing the game, and Sanchez, the game's star player, became one of his childhood heroes.

A Memorable All-Star Week

Witt Jr.'s Players Weekend tribute was a highlight of the 2024 All-Star Week for the Royals star and his family. The event, held in Kansas City, provided a special opportunity for Witt Jr. to connect with fans and celebrate his childhood passion.