Skip to content

Royals' Ibanez 'totally fine' with postseason role

Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

By his own admission, Raul Ibanez was a cheerleader for the Kansas City Royals as they navigated their way to the World Series for the first time in nearly three decades this October.

In all likelihood, the 42-year-old will be confined to a similar role for the World Series. He's not expected to be included on the 25-man roster manager Ned Yost will submit Tuesday morning, just hours before Game 1 at Kauffman Stadium.

Ibanez, however, said he's content with the role he's settled into with the Royals, who could help the veteran bookend his 18-year career with a World Series ring.

“I’m totally fine. I’ve been blessed,” Ibanez told the New York Post last week. “Just being here, being a part of something greater than yourself, is always what it’s really about, anyway. It’s always about winning. And to get an opportunity to be connected to this team and to Kansas City for the rest of your life, the city will be connected to this team forever. So just to be part of that is phenomenal.”

Ibanez, who was picked up by the Royals in June after being released by the Los Angeles Angels, has made one previous trip the World Series. In that appearance, his efforts proved futile as the New York Yankees trounced his Philadelphia Phillies in the 2009 Fall Classic.

Though his once-potent bat has been shelved throughout the Royals' postseason run, Ibanez has provided emotional support for his teammates, a group that continues to amaze the former All-Star.

“It’s a bunch of winners and gamers,” Ibanez said of his teammates, “and when they had to rise up, they rose. Just pulled together as a team. Everybody played a part. Just phenomenal.”

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox