Patrick Mahomes discusses Royals ownership stake: 'I love baseball'

Patrick Mahomes gave up a chance at a professional baseball career a long time ago, but that hasn't lessened his love for the sport. 

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback was looking for other ways to get involved in baseball, and as a result, purchased a stake in the Royals franchise last month. It wasn't a surprising purchase given Mahomes' love for the sport, but he finally discussed the acquisition with ESPN's Adam Teicher. 

"I love baseball,'' Mahomes said. "I grew up in clubhouses. I love everything about it.

"When the Royals were bought last year by [John Sherman], I wanted to be a part of it. It took a little bit of time. These things take time. So it took almost a year to get the language right and doing it at the right time with everything going on in the world. But we were able to do it and they were able to let me join in with them and be a part of something that's going to be long-term.''

The 24-year-old's interest in the sport goes way back. Mahomes, who could make half a billion dollars with the Chiefs, grew up around baseball. His father, Pat, spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball. 

While he's only a minority owner now, Mahomes didn't rule out someday owning an entire sports franchise. 

Mahomes has been a big fan of the Royals since being drafted by the Chiefs in 2017 and has even taken batting practice with the club and thrown out the first pitch at Kauffman Stadium. 

The Royals have a long way to go to win a World Series title, but with a winner like Mahomes now on board, the club is positioning themselves for success.