Royals VP makes pitch to Independence chamber

Toby Cook, vice president of community affairs and publicity for the Kansas City Royals, admits that he much prefers public speaking when the Royals are winning games.

But Cook, who spoke at an Independence Chamber luncheon Wednesday, said although the team has had years of rough times, they are on an upward climb.

“I honestly believe we’re on our way,” he told the group gathered at Ophelia’s Restaurant on the Independence Square.

Cook, who joined the Royals in 2006, said the organization has undergone lots of ups and downs during his short tenure.

“It’s been a wild ride over the last few years,” he said.

He said there are three keys to the organization’s future success. Those include research and development, creating a model organization and a having place to call home.

Kauffman Stadium is undergoing a face-lift and major renovations in the form of a new scoreboard and other amenities. He said the team is improving, along with its newer home facilities.

The luncheon was sponsored by Golden Living Center of Independence.