"It's good to be back," Hillman said on Wednesday. "I was here during the reconstruction [of Kauffman Stadium], and it's one of the most beautiful parks that there is."
Hillman went 152-207 in just over two seasons with the Royals, getting dismissed 35 games into the 2010 season. He was let go by general manager Dayton Moore just before some of the Royals' top prospects reached the Majors. Eric Hosmer, Salvador Perez and Mike Moustakas made their debuts in 2011.
"I was never bitter about the decision because I know because of the numbers of years as a manager, you're accountable for the wins and losses and you assume that responsibility with the position, and if you're not prepared to assume that responsibility, you shouldn't be a manager in baseball," Hillman said.