Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino: ‘We’re tired of getting called fun ... we want to win games’

Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino made an appearance Wednesday on the MLB Network, and it’s best to start with the rookie’s fashion choice.

Pasquantino was wearing a T-shirt that read Michael A. Tater, a clear reference to center fielder Michael A. Taylor. Pasquantino had them made up in honor of his teammate, who picked up the nickname during his seven-season stint with the Nationals.

“Yeah, Michael A. Tater, it’s what they referred to him in D.C., and we’re trying to get that magic for him,” Pasquantino said. “So I got these shirts a few weeks ago. And everyday you see Michael A. Taylor, it’s a good day. So I’m hoping to see him when I get back in the clubhouse, just give him a nice little high five, and then we’ll see what happens from there.”

That T-shirt and love of his teammate is just the sort of thing that has endeared young players like Pasquantino to fans, who have started watching the Royals on TV in greater numbers since the All-Star break.

Better results on the field is a contributing factor to that bump in ratings.

The Royals’ 12-14 record since the All-Star Game (heading into Wednesday’s game against the Twins) may not have a wow factor, but it’s a huge improvement over their 36-56 mark in the first half.

With six rookies in the Royals lineup on many nights, there’s been an injection of energy in the Royals’ clubhouse. Pasquantino said those young players aren’t interested in simply having fun.

“To be honest, I don’t know how much this has really happened in Major League Baseball history, having this many rookies, so we don’t really kind of know that it’s any different because we’ve all played together growing up in the (Royals) system,” said Pasquantino said, who was picked in the 11th round of the 2019 draft. “So it’s just one of the things I think, obviously, it’s an adjustment to the big leagues, but I don’t want to speak for everybody, but we’re ready to start winning games.

“We’re tired of getting called fun, and there’s a learning period, but we want to win games and that’s kind of our focus. So we’re not worried about being rookies we’re worried about trying to score more runs than the other team.”

Pasquantino talked about his Italian Nightmare nickname, food and his odd first hit in the majors during the interview, which you can see here.