The Brockton (Ma.) Rox of the independent Canadian-American League are feeling pretty good about their upcoming season. So much so, that their president, Jim Lucas, has thrown down the gauntlet to the Kansas City Royals. Earlier this week he issued a challenge to the Royals, claiming that the Rox, who play only 92 games, will win more times than Kansas City this season. He’s calling it “The Royal Challenge”.

If the Rox lose the challenge, they’ll donate $500 to the Kansas City YMCA Challenger Division Baseball Park, which is set up for children who are mentally or physically challenged. If the Royals lose they would have to donate $5,000 to the Brockton Challenger Division of Little League. Why the disparity in the prizes?

“If we’re going to spot the Royals 70 games, it’s only fair that we get 10:1 odds,” Lucas said.

The Rox haven’t heard back from the Royals yet, but Lucas said that if the Royals don’t want to participate, local businesses will take the m up on the challenge. The Rox, are owned by Saturday Night Live creator, Lorne Michaels, along with SNL alums, Bill Murray and Jimmy Fallon. One of their consultants is Mike Veeck, son of late baseball owner Bill Veeck. So it’s no surprise that the team has put together creative promotions like the Curt Schilling “Bobble Ankle Doll” which featured a replica of the Red Sox pitcher’s blood-soaked ankle and sock from the 2004 World Series.

Related web sites:
ROX LAY OUT CHALLENGE ON WEBSITE