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Johnny Cueto has struggled his last four starts, giving up 22 runs in 20 innings, leading to some bristling by some fans expecting more from the All-Star pitcher. Cueto did little to endear himself to fans this week by missing a fan event at Plowboys BBQ in Blue Springs that 610 KCSP had been promoting for a week.
The event was to include a Johnny Cueto "look-alike" contest and a "large selfie" with Cueto. 610 KCSP was to air a remote from the event. The event was originally scheduled on September 2, but was pushed back to accommodate Cueto's schedule.
Johnny Cueto failed to show up.
Plowboys BBQ management did not seem pleased about Cueto's no-show, writing on Facebook:
"For one eleven year old, the excitement and pride that his family's BBQ restaurant was bringing a Major League Baseball player to his town, turned into embarrassment as he returned to school to face his friends. For the fans, we are sorry that Cueto was a bust. No one at Plowboys or 610Sports wanted to see this. The sad and ironic part of this is that Cueto's agent came to us saying that Cueto wanted to "connect more with the fans". The appearance was something that came from Cueto and his agent. No one went "after" them. For our staff, we love you all. You put in so much work, so much planning, and so many extra hours to make this happen for Plowboys and Royals fans. Your shared disappointment shows how much you care. Again, we love you."
They have since deleted the comment.
Bryce Dixon, Cueto's agent, released a statement saying,
"Johnny regrets what happened today. He was running an hour late due to treatment that he received from his personal trainer and massage therapist. By the time he was done with the session and on his way, the event was cancelled. He is sorry for missing the event and apologizes to the fans that waited for him, the restaurant, and the radio station."
Fan reaction ranged from disappointment to apathy.
Royals fans stood in the heat for 2.5 hours to meet Cueto. He was reportedly a no show to his own event.
— Angie (@43v3rblue) September 8, 2015
The Cueto no call, no show, is pretty much why I don't want to know anything about players beyond the baseball field.
— Jim McClintock (@pimpino) September 8, 2015
The Cueto no-show is unacceptable, @Royals. If I'd taken my kids out there to meet a player and he didn't show up, they'd be devastated.
— Jason (@RoyalsFreeOut) September 8, 2015
I'm not especially worked up by Cueto's no show. It's weird, a little annoying and sort of frustrating. Just give a better excuse.
— David Lesky (@DBLesky) September 8, 2015
Not like he cares, but I am so unbelievably disappointed in Johnny Cueto. How do you just not show up for a scheduled pub event?
— Born Again Tweeter (@iHarveyKU) September 8, 2015
Johnny Cueto didn't show up to Plowboys BBQ today? Damn. Way to alienate some of your new fans...
— #BerryStrong #Chiefs (@C_Penn_) September 8, 2015
Not surprised Cueto didn't show up for @610SportsKC event today. Dude hasn't showed up last 4 starts, why appease fans who want to meet him?
— Rick Curtin III (@kcevidenceguy) September 8, 2015
All will be forgiven with a few terrific starts in October, but as of right, Johnny Cueto is not exactly the most-well liked man in Kansas City right now.