The Kansas City Royals’ annual road trip for players’ dads has been a hit in its return

Dennis Pasquantino knew his swing needed a little work. It had been nearly two decades since he stepped into a batter’s box.

Now, the former softball player was about to attempt the unthinkable: taking some cuts on a big-league field.

“I hadn’t swung a bat in 20 years. The first (practice) round was very, very rough,” Pasquantino said.

After a few practice sessions, the father of Kansas City Royals slugger Vinnie Pasquantino was ready to hit the diamond. On Wednesday at LoanDepot Park in Miami, he walked to the plate with one idea in mind:

Hit the baseball hard.

That mentality was common with other men in Pasquantino’s hitting group. And so was this: Though they hail from different walks of life, they all came to spend time with their sons.

The Royals held this week’s special batting-practice session for the fathers, fathers-in-law and brothers of the players. It’s a part of the club’s annual Father’s Trip that includes a week-long journey to Miami and Baltimore.

The Royals began hosting this event in 2013, but it had been on hiatus the past few seasons. After three years away because of the pandemic, it’s back.

Several dads are along for the trip, including Pasquantino, Bobby Witt Sr., Tom Duffy (infielder Matt Duffy’s father), Mervyl Melendez (MJ Melendez’s dad) and Brett Singer (father of pitcher Brady Singer).

And they’ve each gotten a chance to spend time with their sons. The dads had access to team meetings, batting practice, the clubhouse and all the amenities that come with being a major-leaguer.

“I love this. I get to sneak around into places and go out on the field and play catch with my buddies,” the elder Singer said. “I’m in the cage watching batting practice with Salvador (Perez). It’s incredible and absolutely cool.”

The Royals are the only MLB team to host this sort of annual event. It derives from a concept formulated years ago in the NHL. The Royals offer the players’ family members a behind-the-scenes look at what a team does to prepare for competition during a 162-game season.

After a few days with a front-row seat, the dads were impressed with the details that go into getting ready for each particular game.

“There is more to it than getting out there and playing ball for the guys,” attendee Stephen Johnson said. “It’s neat to see that side of it and I think the fathers are really appreciative of it.”

Johnson is one of the few returnees on this adventure. He’s the father-in-law of Royals closer Scott Barlow. And this year, he was on hand to witness some Royals history.

Johnson was in attendance as Barlow recorded his 50th career save early in the week. He was overjoyed to be a part of the moment. He said it meant a lot to him to see it in person.

“The 50th save was just awesome,” Johnson said.

Plenty of newcomers made the trip this year. M.J. Melendez’s dad and Witt Sr. have known each other for years, dating to the days when their sons played amateur ball. And Melendez actually coached Bobby Witt Jr. when he was a part of the USA Under-18 team.

It was also the first time on the Father’s Trip for Singer and Frank Kowar.

They reunited as their sons, Brady Singer and Jackson Kowar, are both up with the Royals. The pair’s relationship dates to their boys’ collegiate days — both sons played at the University of Florida.

Frank Kowar was the star of Wednesday’s batting practice round. He drilled line drives all over LoanDepot Park and drew rave reviews. He also spent time throwing a bullpen session with Jackson at his side.

“It’s been fun. I was impressed by his swing as he took BP,” Jackson Kowar said. “I didn’t get any of that gene and I was jealous. Good swing. I think he represented us well.”

The Royals and dads will continue their experience with a dinner in Baltimore. The fathers will be able to experience Camden Yards, as well.

“It’s hard to put into words,” the elder Singer said, “because we are getting to see (Brady) succeed and live his dream. Yet we get to come along for the ride.”

The week’s also provided time for some sage wisdom. Despite the Royals’ rough season — they were 18-44 after losing Wednesday’s series finale in Miami — the dads seemed to like the direction in which the club is headed.

“We talk hitting a lot because it’s fun ...” Pasquantino said. “I’m not going anywhere as I’m always in his (Vinnie’s) corner. If he needs to vent, he can vent at me all he wants. I’m going to be there.”

Tom Duffy agreed, saying the young Royals will continue to grow, even through the disappointing times. His son, Matt, is one of the veterans on the team, and seeing Matt do his job firsthand is rewarding.

“At 32 years old, we know he is closing in on the end of the ride,” Tom Duffy said. “To be able to experience this, before this is all over at some point, I feel extremely fortunate and blessed.”

The Royals finished their three-game series against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night. After an off-day Thursday, a series at the Baltimore Orioles awaits starting Friday.

The dads are eager for the journey to continue.

“I think it is really cool,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It’s not something they’ve experienced, and to get to share that with them is really special.”