Did you catch the Royals’ last home run celebration? We tracked down its origins

Another home run celebration is heard in the Kansas City Royals locker room as the Kansas City Royals climb in the American League Central standings.

It’s not quite “Angels in the Outfield,” but the Royals’ latest “wings” signal shows they believe in the power of the long ball.

And everyone joined in.

Royals captain Salvador Perez waved his arms like a bird as he rounded first base for his two home runs against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday. Bobby Witt Jr. celebrated, too.

So where does this phenomenon come from? Well, after a thorough clubhouse investigation by The Star, you might be surprised to know that this home run celebration originates from … the bullpen.

“It’s funny, because me and (Angel) Zerpa started it and everybody loved it,” Royals bullpen catcher Juan Graterol said. “The guys hit a home run and I’m like, ‘Let a bird fly!’ It’s awesome and I think it’s funny. It’s having fun with those guys.”

The Royals have spread their wings this season and set a course for a play-off spot.

Graterol is excited about the playoff push. He said the home run celebration started earlier this season but only picked up steam in recent weeks.

“I’m just trying to send a message from the bullpen and the guys to support all the hitters,” Graterol said. “I think we started doing it earlier in the season and nobody even saw it. But now the guys have seen it and they’ve started doing it.”

Several relievers like it too. It has organically caught on and has created a morale boost in and around the clubhouse.

“We talk about it all the time, you know, if they hit a home run, they should at least show some love,” Royals reliever Chris Stratton said. “It’s all part of the fun and part of the game. We give them a lot of criticism if they don’t say anything. So usually they do.”

The Royals are known for their special celebrations. After every win, there is the special “Salvy Splash” that Perez made famous. The starting pitchers support each other with in-game huddles in the dugout.

Royals infielders also wore high socks once this season. The goal was to create camaraderie on and off the field.

The latest trend is bird wings.

“The bullpen is kind of a team outside of the team, because we’re not in the dugout,” Royals reliever Lucas Erceg said. “So any time a player in the dugout acknowledges us or makes us feel like we’re part of the team, it makes us feel good and we all love it.”

The Royals hope to continue the good times until the end. And there will certainly be a few more arms waving in the near future.