Sports Update Monday: South Florida’s Eric Hosmer is KC Royals Playoff Hero & Fan Favorite

Kansas City Royals fans suffered through 29 years of baseball without seeing their team play in the postseason. Now, the team is making sure that fans know how much the players appreciate all of the support they have received over the years.

Last week, Kansas City treated its fans to a thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Oakland A’s in the Wild Card Game at Kauffman Stadium. On Sunday, the Royals finished off a sweep—at home—of the Los Angeles Angels in the American League Division Series.

That sweep set off a huge celebration in Kansas City among players and fans alike. After the players celebrated at Kauffman Stadium, Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer and the team invited fans to a celebration party at a local bar. According to KSHB’s Sarah Hollenbeck, Hosmer footed the bill for an open bar to thank the fans.

The 24-year-old Hosmer had a whale of an ALDS, hitting .400 with two home runs, including the game-winning blast in extra innings in Game 2. Growing up in Cooper City, he attended American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida. He was named as one of the top five prep baseball players in the country by several scouting agencies by the time he graduated in 2008. Hosmer was chosen by the Royals in the first round (third overall selection) of the 2008 MLB Draft.

The Royals will play the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Championship Series, which starts on Friday. Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) will be played in Kansas City. Imagine the type of celebration that will erupt in Kansas City if the team clinches a trip to the World Series at home.

(via Bleacher Report & Wikipedia)