Flashback Royals: The murder at the pool


Self-defense is more important now than ever, and teams like the Royals are promoting it through various events. In 2008, the Royals held a self-defense class called T.A.K.E. to support The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation and honor Ali Kemp's life. Similarly, the Kelsey Smith Foundation, named after a girl abducted at a Target in Kansas in 2007, also focuses on teaching self-defense. The Royals later honored Kelsey Smith's memory as well. Ali Kemp's murder in 2002 had a profound impact on the Kansas City metro area. At 19, Ali was working as a lifeguard in Leawood, Kansas, during the summer. Her father believed it was a safe job: "It was a wonderful job, a neighborhood pool. And you would think the safest place in the world." However, her shift on that fateful day turned tragic. Around 3 p.m., Ali called a friend for company, but the friend missed the call. Shortly after, Laurel Vine, another friend, arrived at the pool and saw a man leaving. Thinking he was a maintenance worker, Vine later realized he had witnessed Ali’s murder. Ali's death caught the attention of the Royals' front office. "It’s a partnership that we announced Monday, and, bottom line, we could not be more thrilled to be working with this foundation," a representative said. The Royals were set to play the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals) in a three-game series, with the first game on the 18th. Kansas City lost to Montreal 5-4 in the opening game, with left-hander Scott Mullen pitching for the Royals. Mullen was traded the following season to the Dodgers, along with pitcher Victor Rodriguez, for shortstop Travis Dawkins. The 2003 season marked the last time the Royals played against the Expos. Royals Charities donated about $2 million to various organizations regularly during that time. In 2003, the Royals finished the season with a winning record of 83-79, placing third in their division but missing the postseason.

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