Bobby Witt Jr., at Texas Rangers homecoming, hopes to ‘change culture’ with KC Royals
Bobby Witt Jr. grew up going to Globe Life Park to watch the Texas Rangers.
The former Colleyville Heritage High School standout and son of former Rangers pitcher Bobby Witt didn’t have to wait long to return home as a major leaguer.
The highly rated rookie made the Kansas City Royals opening day roster after just two seasons in the minors. (The 2020 minor league season was canceled because of COVID-19.) His fast rise wasn’t a shock, however. The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft was outstanding in 124 minor league games last year, combining to hit .290, with 33 home runs, 35 doubles, and 97 RBIs.
He made his homecoming MLB debut against the Rangers on Tuesday at Globe Life Field. Texas won 6-4 as Witt struggled in the leadoff spot, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
“I’m trying to take everything in and learn each and every day, learn from the guys around me,” he said before Tuesday’s game. “Try to go each and every day with an open mind and not try to worry about results. Just go out there and try to perform to my best and try to help the team win as many games as possible and try to change the culture a little bit.”
The Royals have struggled since winning the World Series in 2015, including two 100-loss seasons. Witt Jr. is part of the foundation of the Royals future.
His dad, Bobby Witt, pitched 11 seasons with the Rangers and made Colleyville his home in retirement. His 18-year MLB career ended in 2001. Witt Jr. was born in 2000. He turns 22 on June 14. Dad turns 58 Wednesday.
“He never really asked for anything for his birthday but one thing he wants to do is see me play at the stadium against the Rangers. So hopefully I can get him a couple of hits or something,” Witt Jr. said.
Witt usually plays third base, but started at shortstop Tuesday for the second time this season. He was batting .229 with five doubles, a triple, home run, and seven RBIs in 22 games entering the game.
Michael Young, his favorite Rangers player growing up, has been a mentor.
“I got to know him pretty well throughout the time [growing up around the team],” Witt said. “So it has been great to have a little friendship with him. Seeing how he was on the field, off the field being a great guy and [knowing] who he is now as a person. It’s been a lot of fun trying to follow in his footsteps.”
Witt Jr. says he’s not the bulldog on the diamond that his dad often was. The son tries to enjoy the game and stay relaxed.
“He was kind of like the hard-nosed, get after it kind of guy and I don’t know if I’m quite that guy,” he said. “I just like to go out there and have fun and try to be loose and relaxed with it all.”
But dad is always there to offer guidance and encouragement.
“All the time. No matter what,” he said. “He’s always pushing me, he always wants the best for me. Sometimes when I make a mistake I know I’ll get that text. He’s always there to give me help, encouraging me. He just wants the best for me.”
Dad even stepped in to help with more than 100 ticket requests for the three-game series in Arlington.
“It’s nice they got a roof with the air conditioning now. I grew up going to that stadium but it still feels the same seeing the Rangers logo walking in,” he said.
He’ll spend a couple of nights at home in Colleyville while in town and enjoy seeing family and friends.
And he’ll try to treat his dad to some birthday hits, perhaps a home run. Witt Jr. hit his first-career MLB homer last week. With another homer, Witt Jr. can snap a tie for the Witt family all-time home run lead.
This story was originally published May 10, 2022 at 7:58 PM.
