Nicknames on the back of jerseys. Specialized bats and shoes. A different look for the uniforms.
Major League Baseball’s second annual Players’ Weekend is a time to express individuality. But Royals catcher Drew Butera is using it to recognize other people.
On the back of his jersey is the name Vito.
“It’s a way to honor my grandpa, my dad’s dad,” Butera said. “He was the rock of our family, I believe. He had five kids and worked his tail off to provide for them. He has a boatload of grandkids, and he made each one of us feel special in our own way.