Chants of “BOB-BY, BOB-BY” filled the football field at Bishop Miege High School on Thursday morning, with about 400 kids shouting Bobby Witt Jr.’s name as he walked out to greet the attendees of his first youth baseball camp.

The Royals’ superstar shortstop is no stranger to the sound of his name filling ballparks while fans stand on their feet. Thursday was a different experience.

“There were some tears that came to my eyes,” Witt said. “Not too long ago, I was in their shoes. Now, we’re here with this opportunity. It’s truly just a blessing and honor to be able to do this.”

Now that he calls Kansas City home and will for the foreseeable future after the contract extension he signed this past offseason, Witt has been seeking opportunities to get involved in the community and meet kids and families throughout the area.

At the top of the list of things he wanted to do was put together a youth baseball camp. Witt spent his childhood going to camps like Thursday’s, and he was always the one who was dressed in his full baseball uniform eager to compete.