KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Olivia King, 10, of Lee’s Summit might soon be representing Kansas City in a big way. After multiple rounds of trying out, Royals Stadium was the final stop before the MLB All-Star nationals. Olivia King is one of three girls in her age group selected to move on to nationals in Minneapolis.
“I was like ‘dad where are you taking me?’” said Olivia.
One day last year, she was in school when her dad surprised her and took her out early to go to the local Pitch, Hit, and Run Competition.
“I didn’t know what I was doing,” she said.
She didn’t do well enough to make it to nationals, but this year was another story.
“She likes to compete,” said Olivia’s dad, David King, who encouraged her to try out again. “Olivia’s got a special talent.”
She was competing against girls from Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Nebraska. The top three finishers from each age group in each market go on to competitions at each of the 30 major league ballparks. When she tried out at the K, she was selected as a finalist.
“I’ve always been an athletic person, and I just like being out in the weather, and just hanging out with my friends, and having a fun time playing,” Olivia said.
About a week ago, she was with her aunt and her cousins at the pool when her mom called her.
“Oh my gosh! You made it! And I was like jumping up and down, and really excited,” said Olivia. “I was really surprised.”
Her dad says he knew it would be tough to be selected, and was pleasantly surprised.
“I was really startled because I just knew how hard it was to go up against 89 other girls in the country,” said David. “I’m so proud, yeah, it’s a great experience, and it’s just awesome.”
They’re both hopeful she can show the other 24 finalists what Kansas City has to offer.
“Hopefully represent the Royals and take home that National Championship with us. I’d like that,” said David.
Olivia is not the only finalist who tried out at Kauffman Stadium. Brooke Denning from Wakeeney, Kansas, was also selected for the 11- 12 age group. It’s the first time ever that two people who tried out at Kauffman Stadium were selected as finalists.
