Royals sign outfielder with autism Tarik El-Abour to minor-league deal

The Kansas City Royals signed outfielder Tarik El-Abour to a minor-league contract, the club officially announced Friday. The 25-year-old El-Abour has autism, and is believed to be the first professional baseball player with this diagnosis, according to ESPN's Bradford Doolittle.

The signing was announced on the same day as the Royals' Autism Awareness Night, which will take place Friday at Kauffman Stadium when they host the Los Angeles Angels.

"We see this as an outstanding opportunity for Tarik and our organization," Royals assistant general manager J.J. Picollo said in a statement. "We are built well for him, we have outstanding coaches, a caring environment, and an opportunity to get at-bats in extended spring. Tarik has displayed a work ethic and passion for this game, and he's been successful. We are about providing opportunity and we embrace diversity and inclusion, so this is a good fit for both Tarik and the Royals."

Prior to joining the Royals' organization, El-Abour played the last two seasons in the Empire Professional Baseball League. In 2016, he hit .323 across 19 games with the Sullivan Explorers, earning Rookie of the Year honors. A season later with the Plattsburgh RedBirds, he batted .240 in 122 plate appearances. Both times, his team won the league's championship.

As well, Royals adviser and former major-league outfielder Reggie Sanders started the Reggie Sanders Foundation in 2012 to help those with autism find employment, housing, and other opportunities. He helped pave the way for El-Abour to be signed.