The T-Bones will hold their annual open tryout on Saturday, April 26 at the Mid-America Sports Complex in Shawnee Mission, Kansas.  The tryout is designed to give an opportunity to any player who feels he or she can compete at the Northern League level.  T-Bones manager Andy McCauley and his coaching staff will conduct the tryout and evaluate the players.

“I’m looking forward to having our own local players try out,” said McCauley.  “It gives us an opportunity to see good local players and we usually take a couple of players from these camps and invite them to spring training, some even make the opening day roster.”

The Northern League roster regulations encourage teams to acquire local players by requiring each team to have a minimum number of rookies on each team’s roster.  The T-Bones have acquired several players from around the area from the tryout camp and during the season including Eric Vega, Nick Jaros and Doug Dreher.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with the tryout starting promptly at 9 a.m.  Pre-registration is $50 and registration forms and payments must be sent before April 18 to:
    Kansas City T-Bones Baseball Club
    Attn: Tryouts
    1800 Village West Parkway
    Kansas City, KS 66111

Registration is also available on-site for $60.  Players participating in the tryout are asked to wear proper baseball attire, provide their own gloves, and catcher’s gear.

To view and print the registration form, please click here.

Majors Signs with Rangers Before Donning T-Bones Red:
Off-season signee Marc Major has signed with the Texas Rangers.  Major was signed initially by the T-Bones in January but has already been acquired by the Rangers organization before making his way to Kansas City.

“It’s unfortunate for us but a great opportunity for Marc,” said McCauley.  “I was looking forward to working with him this season, but those are the types of players we try to get.  We wish him the best of luck and hopefully we can have the opportunity to see him again.”

Major was expected to compete for a spot on the T-Bones pitching staff for the 2008 season.

The T-Bones open the 2008 season on the road May 15 in Winnipeg, before the home-opener at CommunityAmerica Ballpark on May 23 against Schaumburg.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.  Season tickets and mini plans are available now by calling the T-Bones box office at (913) 328-5618.