Years in the making: How Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. planned special Home Run Derby experience

James Russell took a second to check his phone. A few moments prior, he’d received a text message from his brother-in-law, Bobby Witt Jr.

It was a brief question: “Hey man, how is your arm?”

Russell didn’t take long to respond. He told Witt his arm was in shape thanks to his work at Top Prospects Academy in Southlake, Texas.

Then Witt asked a follow-up question. He gauged Russell’s interest to be his pitcher in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby during All-Star festivities.

The event is set for 7 p.m. on Monday, July 15.

“Absolutely,” Russell replied.

For Russell, it was an easy decision. The former MLB pitcher played seven seasons with various teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.

Now, he had another chance to step on a big-league mound. And this time, he would be part of a special family moment.

“We actually kind of talked about it a couple of years ago,” Russell told The Star. “Just throwing around the idea like, ‘Hey, it would be cool if you did the Home Run Derby. I would love to throw to you.’”

Even Russell didn’t think it would happen this quickly.

Family function. Familiar roots

A few years ago, Russell watched a young Witt run around the Cubs clubhouse and shag fly balls at Wrigley Field. Witt, who was around 13 years old, was having the time of his life.

Russell enjoyed those moments. It was a shared experience that combined family bonding with the love of baseball.

Just like Witt, Russell is a second-generation athlete. His father, Jeff, played 14 MLB seasons.

Russell was the same kid running around in clubhouses. He remembered how much those memories molded and foreshadowed his athletic journey.

“Pretty much the field was my playground,” Russell joked. “(Later), I got to play as a professional on it.”

It’s that Texas-sized connection that continues to bond the Witt and Russell families. Russell is married to Witt’s sister, Nikki, and his father played with Bobby Witt Sr.

Witt Sr. and Jeff Russell were longtime teammates with the Texas Rangers. They are beloved in Arlington for their contributions to the organization.

And all these years later, their boys will get to recreate some of that magic at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas … in their own way.

“It’s a surreal moment and the world coming back full circle,” Russell said.

What about Senior?

On Monday, Witt announced his intention to participate in the Home Run Derby. He is the fifth Royal to enter the prestigious event. The last Royals player to participate is team captain Salvador Perez in 2021.

Witt joins a star-studded list of participants that includes two-time winner Pete Alonso, Alec Bohm, Marcell Ozuna, Teoscar Hernandez, Gunnar Henderson, Jose Ramirez and Adolis Garcia.

While Witt did consider Witt Sr. as his pitcher, the elder agreed it was better for his son-in-law to step into the role.

“James is still doing lessons and things like that,” Witt Sr. told The Star. “He is still involved in the game and throwing and doing all that stuff. His arm is in a heck of a lot better shape than mine is right now.”

In recent days, the brothers-in-law have each prepared for the event.

Witt blasted home runs during early batting practice at Fenway Park on Friday afternoon. The practice session was warranted after a set of new rules were implemented ahead of the 2024 Home Run Derby.

“Just to try to see how it feels and everything,” Witt said, “just kind of a little proper preparation before it happens.”

Participants will have three minutes and up to 40 pitches in the first round. It will be important for derby pitchers to be efficient from the onset of the competition.

It’s something that Russell has prepared for as well.

“Once he threw the idea out there, I started throwing to some kids at our facility just to make sure I still had it,” Russell said. “With our pitching program, I am probably throwing 150-200 balls a day. My arm is in decent shape.”

Still, he acknowledged his strategy will be pretty simple. Russell, a left-handed pitcher, plans to keep the baseball over the plate.

“I’ve just got to focus on throwing the ball to his barrel,” Russell said. “He can’t hit me if I’m not throwing it there.”

And it won’t be the first time he has thrown to Witt.

Two offseasons ago, Russell pitched to Witt as he prepared for the 2023 season. He understands his tendencies and is prepared to help him be successful in the Home Run Derby.

“It’s going to make for some cool memories and it is something as a family we will never forget,” Russell said.

A Royal homecoming

Witt, from Colleyville, Texas, will also represent the Royals on Tuesday at Globe Life Field. He is one of four KC players who were named to the American League All-Star roster. He joins Perez, Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans in the annual exhibition.

Russell is excited to be a part of Witt’s first All-Star Game. He is proud of his ascension as a team leader and offensive force.

“I knew from a young age that he was going to be a pretty good player,” Russell said. “But not to the caliber he is now. It’s been cool to see him progress and mature as a big leaguer and become the leader of a team. It’s pretty special and there aren’t a lot of guys, a few years in, that can command respect from other guys.”

As the Royals continue to chase a postseason berth, Witt will play a big role in their overall success. The Home Run Derby is another chance for the national audience to be introduced to the Royals star.

And Russell is excited to see it happen.

“He’s grown up to be pretty special,” Russell said.