KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It takes a driven baseball team to make the World Series. For one family of fans, it’s what they’re driving that has the attention of fellow fans.
Royals’ fans say they love third baseman Mike Moustakas because of his blue-collar work ethic. Now the American League champion infielder gets a unique honor with a big blue vehicle named after him.
It’s a rough and tough baseball machine, just like the player it’s named after. Lee’s Summit residents Craig and Lori Rookstool are Royals season ticket holders. Two years ago they bought a 1972 Toyota Land Cruiser, which stands about 12 feet in the air.
The Rookstools have been involved in youth baseball, and recently mentored a young player that reminded them of Moustakas. When the big Land Cruiser came into their possession, they named it “The Moosemobile” in honor of both ball players.
“We just turned it into a Royals machine. We’re season ticket holders, and we enjoy the character of this young team, and the way they grind it out. We all need to stick together. It’s more than baseball for these guys,” Craig said.
“I say, this is what happens when your kids grow up and you have just other adults to play with. Believe it or not, I’m in for this,” Lori said.
During the postseason, the Rookstools have been driving the big rig to games at Kauffman Stadium where fans of all ages line up to snap photos on its 47-inch tires.
But on weekends — the Rookstools get the Moosemachine dirty. Craig and Lori take their toy rockcrawling in the mountains of southern Missouri, where it’s been known to climb rock walls as steep as four feet.
That’s strength that reminds them of a certain infielder — who’s proving to be one of Kansas City’s kings in the World Series.
“He just grinds it out, and works hard. He’s young and energetic and genuine. Win or lose, this is our team,” Craig said.
Craig says once the playoffs are over, the antlers are going over his mantle in Lee’s Summit. He says he hopes to put them right beside some Royals World Series championship keepsakes, too.
