Kansas City, Mo. — Dour Tony Muser is turning over a new leaf.
The manager of the Kansas City Royals says he's going to start being happy.
Kansas City Royals, from left, Joe Randa, Dan Reichert, Chad Durbin and Chris George model the team's new uniforms. The Royals showed off their new uniforms and plans for Kauffman Stadium on Thursday in Kansas City, Mo.
"I know you've heard about attitude changes on my part," Muser said at the Royals' winter luncheon Thursday, where the team's new uniforms and proposals for stadium improvements were unveiled. "It's going to be a nicer, brighter, kinder Tony Muser."
As his voice trailed off wearily, the room erupted in laughter.
"I don't like losing," Muser added. "I hate losing. Losing bothers the hell out of me and I'm not a very good loser and I admit that. But I think we need to create an attitude on our ballclub where it is fun. Come out and watch me smile."
A brighter, happier atmosphere is also at the heart of renovations the Royals are proposing for Kauffman Stadium, renovations that would cost several hundred million dollars. Kauffman is the ninth-oldest stadium in the major leagues.
While losing 97 games last year, the Royals' home attendance was slightly more than 1,500,000. With an aging facility and a small-revenue market, the Royals can't compete.
"Changes in income distribution (among teams) won't do it," said Royals vice president Mark Gorris. "About 700,000 to one million more people are needed."
If the Royals get everything they're asking for in stadium renovations, seating capacity would remain virtually unchanged at a little more than 41,000. But among other improvements, club seats would go from 188 to 3,414, restrooms would be upgraded and be increased from 314 to 420. Concession stands would double to 200.
In addition, total square footage of the facility would balloon from 755,641 square feet to more than 1,150,000, easing narrow, cramped concourses. There would also be new scoreboards, new elevators, additional office space and a new right field restaurant.
Funding would come from a new bistate tax, ownership and state funding, which many feel will be difficult to obtain.
"We need major renovations of the stadium," said Gorris.
The Royals are planning several new promotions and innovations for fans this year, including automobile giveaways.
The new uniforms are basically darker, with either black trim around the lettering or black tops. They're intended to be easier to read and show up better on television.
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