Buddy's (Bell) stepping down as Royals manager, stunned.....

I don't blame Buddy Bell to step down as Royals manager, effective at the end of the season. But it took me by surprise. Not at a time when the Royals posted winning months of June and July — the first time they've had a winning month since July 2003. The good thing is that he will stay with the organization as a senior advisor. There comes a time in all of our lives when we have to weigh our options and make big changes. Bell's passion is baseball, but family came first in his decision on Wednesday, one that was rightly made. He wasn't there when his kids grew up. He rarely sees his grandchildren. And perhaps the most important thing was his health (cancerous growth removed in his throat last Sept.).

American Legion 'AAA' state tournament

The American Legion baseball 'AAA' state tournament bracket has not been released yet. Black Diamonds coach Aaron Bucher told me earlier this week that one of the zone tournaments had just concluded (I'm guessing weather) a couple of days later than originally scheduled. Bucher said that the Black Diamonds will play in the third game Friday against Olathe South. We won't know what time their game is scheduled for until the bracket is released. Hopefully, it is released Thursday.