\u201cI\u2019m honored and surprised,\u201d said Patek, who, after retiring from Major League Baseball in 1981, has spent almost 30 years investing his baseball wisdom in younger generations as a little league coach in the KC Metro. \u201cI love working with the kids. It\u2019s incredible to be recognized for helping them enjoy the great love for the game and learn responsibility, teamwork, how to be a role model and how to set a good example.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patek was nominated for Blue KC Coaches with Character by his daughter, Heather Rehkow, who has observed the impact Patek has made on his players\u2014including her own sons\u2014over the course of his nearly three-decade coaching tenure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe has mentored hundreds of boys and given his time volunteering season after season,\u201d said Rehkow. \u201cHis love of the game and knowledge has been priceless for so many, and I have been truly blessed that he has coached both my sons. He selflessly has given his time for so many years, and I feel it\u2019s time that he was recognized for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From 1971 to 1979, Patek was a staple at shortstop for the Royals, earning three All-Star nominations and helping the Royals capture three AL West titles from 1976 through 1978. Known for his defense and speed, Patek led the AL in stolen bases in 1977 and was referred to by manager Whitey Herzog as the best artificial turf shortstop he ever managed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen thinking about the Royals history, Fred Patek is not only one of the best shortstops to play for Kansas City, but one of the greatest men of character ever to put on a uniform,\u201d said Dayton Moore, Royals GM and Founder\/Executive Director of CYITML. \u201cHe\u2019s faced tremendous challenges and setbacks in life, but instead of blaming anyone or feeling sorry for himself, he\u2019s simply persevered. Any young athlete who\u2019s played for Freddie during his nearly 30 years of coaching learned from one of the best, on and off the field. It\u2019s humbling to be able to help select him as the August honoree.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently coaching little league in the Blue Springs area, Patek draws on his Major League experience and personal values to help his players develop a strong work ethic, positive attitude and mental maturity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI try to teach kids that life is full of setbacks, but that they can be strong, show up a winner and give 110 percent,\u201d said Patek, who played in four American League Championship Series during his MLB career. \u201cIf you get knocked down, always get up and try again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree, Patek will join the six coaches who have been honored throughout the season at an event on September 11 at Kauffman Stadium. The season\u2019s Blue KC Coaches with Character honorees will join Moore and Blue KC representatives at a pregame reception in a private suite before being honored on the field prior to the Royals game against the White Sox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In honor of Patek as the August recipient, Blue KC is making a $2,000 donation to CYITML.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s encouraging to see former pro athletes like Freddie use their experience to invest in the next generation,\u201d said Christina Lively, Department Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Blue KC. \u201cAt Blue KC, we are passionate about our community, and it\u2019s our privilege to bring recognition to someone who has made Kansas City a better place to live, work and play since 1971.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
Blue KC Coaches with Character Program<\/p> <\/div>\n