Jonny Gomes left crushed by Royals' White House snub
Veteran outfielder Jonny Gomes, who spent a small part of the 2015 season with the World Series champion Kansas City Royals, recently had his heart broken by the club when he was informed he wouldn't be included in the team's upcoming trip to the White House.
"I've been sent down. I've been non-tendered, whatever," Gomes told FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "But this is probably the worst news of my professional baseball career."
The 35-year-old free agent, who began the season playing in Japan before returning to North America in May, was not included on a list of Royals personnel set to visit President Barack Obama on July 21.
According to Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore, the White House restricted how many employees could attend.
"We're a very inclusive organization. We recognize the great efforts of all of our people who contributed," Moore said. "I wish everyone could be a part of this. Unfortunately, there is a limit on the travel party, and it's somewhat restrictive."
Gomes appeared in just 12 games for the Royals last season, not making it onto the team's postseason roster after being acquired from the Atlanta Braves on Aug 31, but he was still shocked to not be included among the group.
"It wasn't maybe a top-five reason for me to leave Japan. But one of the first things that hit my mind once I signed the contract to go to Japan was, 'Oh s---, I'm going to miss the White House trip.
"Being from a military background, being patriotic ... I think that is one of the most epic rewards of winning a championship, getting that honor to go to the White House, be on stage, hang with the president."
Gomes is a feverishly patriotic American who almost joined the armed forces before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2011.
His World Series speech, which included an American Flag standing by his side, was one of the highlights of the Royals' victory parade after the franchise earned its second championship in its history last season.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)