Hamilton will serve in annual bartender role

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- New Royals outfielder Billy Hamilton is keeping one tradition he had with the Reds the previous six years: He will be serving drinks at the ninth annual Celebrity Bartender Night at the Wasted Grain in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Thursday night.

Just don’t expect Hamilton to start pouring martinis there.

“No, I don’t know how to make any of those fancy drinks,” Hamilton said, laughing. “Can’t do margaritas or Long Island teas or any of that. I can do a Jack [Daniels] and Coke. But there are real bartenders there to help us.

“But it’s really a lot of fun. I always look forward to it every year.”

The event, put on by Issues Concerning Athletes and P.R.O.S. Corporate Housing, benefits Amyloidosis Support Groups.

Amyloidosis is a rare and life-threatening blood disease. ASG provides peer group support for patients, caregivers, families and friends.

Hamilton, who is hosting the event, will be joined by Royals teammates Brad Keller, Brett Phillips and Brian Goodwin.

Other Major Leaguers who will participate: David Hernandez, Amir Garrett and Sal Romano of the Reds; Kirby Yates and Garret Richards from the Padres; Brad Hand of the Indians; Liam Hendriks of the A's; Marc Rzepczynski from the D-backs; Randall Delgado from the White Sox; and Rene Rivera of the Giants.