The Kansas City T-Bones have signed pitcher Aaron Baker to a contract for the 2015 season.
Baker, 25 (12-14-89), is a 6-foot-3 and 220-pound right hander from Belton, Mo.
He started the 2014 season with Gateway of the independent Frontier League, before the Philadelphia Phillies purchased his contract.
Baker then played with three teams, from the Gulf Coast Rookie League to high-A Clearwater. With all four teams in ’14, Baker went 4-2 with a 3.42 ERA in 32 appearances. He struck out 54 and walked 13 in 52 2/3 innings.
“Aaron is a power arm who could be used as a late-inning guy, or has the ability to start,” said T-Bones manager John Massarelli.
Baker, who went to the University of Central Missouri, started his professional career in 2013 with Gateway.
Also, the T-Bones traded catcher Jake Taylor to Joplin in exchange for cash considerations. Kansas City acquired Taylor from St. Paul in October.
The T-Bones begin their exhibition season next Tuesday, May 12, at CommunityAmerica Ballpark against Wichita, before opening the 2015 regular season at home on May 22 against Lincoln. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.
– Story from T-Bones
Receiving tourism awards, from left to right, were KCK Police Deputy Chief Tyrone Garner, Doug Worgul, marketing director of Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Robbie Small and Steve Small, executive directors of the Balloon Fest, Mike Calwell, and Bruce Breslow, owner of Moon Marble Co. (Photo from KCK CVB)
The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department received a special Tourism Partnership Award at the annual tourism celebration of the Kansas City, Kan., Convention and Visitors Bureau Wednesday, May 6.
About 150 people attended the luncheon at the Reardon Convention Center, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
Five awards were presented to tourism advocates and organizations.
– The Tourism Partnership Award was accepted by Deputy Chief Tyrone Garner of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department. Presenting the award was John Moncke, vice president of stadium and brand revenue at Sporting KC and a member of the KCK CVB board of directors. According to the CVB, the Police Department assures a safe environment for visitors, and is instrumental in making events of all sizes in Kansas City, Kan., successful. Their willingness to be a partner and work hand-in-hand with the community was recognized.
– The Excellence in Hospitality Award was presented to Bruce Breslow, owner and artist at Moon Marble Co. Store. This award was presented by Bridgette Jobe, executive director of the KCK CVB. The award recognized Bruce for his support and partnership with the KCK CVB, while showing professionalism, hospitality and exceptional customer service to all visitors. The award was accepted by Bruce Breslow.
– The Tourism Organization of the Year Award was presented to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. The award was presented by Bill Hurrelbrink, director of communications for Kansas City, Kan., Mayor Mark Holland and a member of the KCK CVB board of directors. Joe’s Kansas City has been recognized as one of Kansas City’s finest barbecue restaurants, and has served many celebrities including Kansas City, Kan., native Eric Stonestreet. The award was accepted by Doug Worgul, marketing director of Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
– The Tourism Event of the Year Award was presented to the 2014 Great Midwest Balloon Fest, held Aug. 8-10, 2014, at Kansas Speedway. The award was presented by Jeff Taylor, general manager of Legends Outlets Kansas City and a member of the KCK CVB board of directors. This family friendly hot air balloon festival has become one of the most sought after balloon festivals in the United States, according to the CVB. The 2014 Balloon Fest had more than 55,000 spectators. The award was accepted by Robbie and Steve Small, executive directors of the festival.
– The Tourism Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Mike Calwell. The award was presented by Kurt Mayo, general manager of Hilton Garden Inn and a member of the KCK CVB board of directors. Calwell was thanked for his many years of service and significant contributions to the Lewis and Clark Park at Kaw Point in Kansas City, Kan., and the preservation of the Kansas River. The award was accepted by Mike Calwell.
In addition to the tourism awards, the tourism celebration kicked off the bureau’s summer campaign “Kansas City Kansas – 94 Days of Summer Fun.”
Making its debut at the tourism celebration was a short video promoting the 94 Days of Summer Fun checklist along with the Kansas City, Kan., 2015 Summer Online Magazine. The video and magazine may be viewed on the KCK CVB’s website at www.VisitKansasCityKS.com.
