Hey, Guy On the Big Screen

With four outs to go, professional Royals superfan Tim Scott chats with a fan. Two outs to go, and Scott — one of Kansas City’s best young actors, a musical theater dynamo sitting out this summer’s shows to entertain thousands for 90 seconds at a time at baseball games — is silent, serious. He’s doing that legwork of the mind always required before the best spontaneous performances. Two outs to go, and the production staff buzzes in his ear-piece: “Double-play situation. Possible double-play situation.” Royals second baseman Mark Grudzielanek grounds to right. A breath after ball hits glove, Scott and the fan, in the seats behind home plate, are up. They appear on Crown Vision, the new scoreboard. “Hey, this is Tim Scott!” he calls, his voice a half-controlled shriek, like tires peeling against pavement. “I’m hanging out in Section 101, where the awesomeness is overflowing!”A cheer from 101.”How about you? Do you feel awesome?” The fan, a 40-something guy from Leawood, snaps back, “I’m in 102.””That’s awesome, too!”102 gives it up.Now to business. Scott’s duty just now is to get the fan to choose a “classic” song to play in a later inning. Additional responsibilities: Get the crowd laughing, mention the sponsor, fend off drunks and throw it back to announcer Mike McCartney, all in just a minute and a half. The biggest trick: Talk about “awesomeness” with spirit, wit and a touch of satire but not a trace of Seacrest. “‘The Heart of Rock & Roll’ by Huey Lewis and the News,” Scott reads. The first song choice fails to excite the Royals faithful. He adds: “The real news is that that is now a classic.” Catch Scott as the Royals take on the Minnesota Twins in a 7:10 p.m. game at Kauffman Stadium.— Alan Scherstuhl

April 11-13; May 27-29; Aug. 8-10, 2008