Former Blue Valley SW pitcher Ben Kudrna discusses Royals journey

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the Kansas City Royals were playing in Boston on Saturday, two potential future Royals were playing down in Texas. The MLB Futures Game in Arlington as part of All-Star Week festivities.

Former Blue Valley Southwest pitcher Ben Kudrna made an appearance and spoke with FOX4 Sports about his pro journey so far.

“It’s a great honor, going to be a cool experience. I don’t take that lightly. But, it is a good sign that what we’re doing is working,” he said.

Leaving home for a journey to the big leagues has it’s ups and downs. Kudrna’s first few seasons included times he had skids when moved up from Low A Columbia to High A Quad Cities, but a good offseason helped.

“Being mentally a little bit more intelligent this year. Little bit of maturation process where now I can manage that better with another year under my belt. It gets easier with a year under my belt,” he said.

Kudrna has really hit his stride this season in Quad Cities. His second start of the season. six innings pitched, no hits given up. His last two starts over five innings – only five hits total given up and 12 strikeouts. A return to what he calls his bread and butter has helped.

“The fastball was kind of the emphasis going into this offseason. It was just, get back to who I am which is a power pitcher, I’m going to attack you with a fastball, put it on two sides of the plate and I’m going to make you respect one of the two spots,” Kudrna said.

And of course being from the area, Kudrna’s also pretty excited about the Big Club doing well .. Taking advice from one Royals pitcher

“Michael Wacha, he was down at the training facility that I was at this offseason. I got to watch his bullpens and pick his brain a little bit. You know, those guys are legit,” Kudrna said.

Asking those questions.

“It’s everything, from what’s your routine like? Does it change? Do you make adjustments? Has it been the same for 2 years, 1 year, 10 years?”

That hopefully helps him get to the level Wacha and the Royals are. But this weekend. He’s excited to see some old friends and impress too.

“Just the competitive side of me, I’m excited to compete and compete against the best guys in the minor leagues right now, so that’s always exciting. It’s pretty cool for me and all my family that’s going to be down there. It’s a testament to them for all they sacrificed and now they get to enjoy a little bit of a vacation,” Kudrna said.

The plan is for family members to watch him play in Arlington and a few of his Blue Valley Southwest teammates still keep up with him.

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