Major League Baseball

Huge Royals fan from South Korea visits KC -- to throw out first pitch

Published Aug. 6, 2014 2:49 p.m. ET

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Apparently, there are fans all over the world who just want to "be Royal."

Sung Woo Lee, a Royals fan for more than 20 years, has followed the team as best he can during that time from his home in Seoul, South Korea.

Lee's lifetime dream has always been to see a game at Kauffman Stadium.

Now that dream is about to come true.

Lee arrived in Kansas City on Tuesday night to spend a week there and see his beloved Royals in person. He was greeted at the airport by several of his "Royals Twitter friends," including Chris Kamler, Dave Darby, Kevin Robinson, Ethan Bryan and Jeff Huerter. That group has arranged a weeklong agenda of activities.

On Lee's to-do list is a trip to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a tour of the World War I Museum, lunch at legendary barbecue joint Arthur Bryant's and, of course, several games at Kauffman Stadium.

In fact, Lee will throw out the first pitch Monday night at Kauffman Stadium when the Royals play the Oakland A's.

"It's surreal and overwhelming to be here," Lee told the Kansas City Star.

Lee and his Royals Twitter friends have been interacting for a few years through tweets. He became a Royals fan simply by researching the team, and subsequently admiring the team's history.

Lee has tried his best to follow the Royals online, though the 14-hour gap often presents a conflict with his employment. Sometimes, he said, he wakes up in the middle of night to be able to watch the team.

Lee made up his mind about a year ago that he would make a trip to Kansas City.

"Once I knew the Royals' history, I liked the team more and more and I believe they are going to be a winner," he told the Star.

You can follow Jeffrey Flanagan on Twitter at @jflanagankc or email him at jeffreyflanagan6@gmail.com.

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