Kansas City Royals pitcher Lucas Erceg and his wife Emma revealed on Friday that they are expecting a baby this December, a moment warmly embraced by the Royals family. Emma posted maternity photos on Instagram, capturing tender moments between the couple in a serene paddy field, with the shoot credited to Kansas City photographer Taniah Oliah. This joyful news has drawn heartfelt reactions from Royals’ close-knit community, including players’ wives.
Special Messages From Royals and Baseball Families
The Instagram post showcased Emma’s baby bump and included touching captions, with Emma writing,
“Half of me & half of you. Baby Erceg coming this December.”
It also received congratulatory comments from fellow baseball families, demonstrating tight bonds beyond the field. Maria Hader, wife of Houston Astros pitcher Josh Hader, replied, “Emma!! Omg congrats.” Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.’s wife, Maggie Witt, expressed admiration:
“These are INSANE. I literally can’t pick a favorite.”
Daniella, the wife of Cincinnati Reds infielder Jonathan India, chimed in,
“The most beautiful announcement photos ever.”
Strong Ties Among Royals’ Families Extend Beyond Announcements
The wives of Royals players are known for their close relationships, often supporting one another on social media. Maggie Witt, in particular, has shown ongoing encouragement, previously commenting on Emma’s posts featuring Lucas during team family events. This camaraderie also extends to creative collaborations, with Maggie, Emma, and Ryann Pasquantino (the wife of teammate Vinnie Pasquantino) partnering with The Wild Collective to design Royals-themed apparel for the team store, highlighting the group’s collective spirit.
Emma Erceg’s Vital Role in Lucas’ Life and Recovery
Emma’s influence on Lucas Erceg has been deeply transformative. The 30-year-old pitcher struggled with alcohol abuse and depression, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which interrupted the baseball season. Lucas openly shared his challenges, revealing he sank into destructive behaviors like excessive drinking and playing video games during lockdowns. Facing a critical point in their relationship, Emma gave him an ultimatum, helping him commit to sobriety, a milestone he commemorates with the date ‘06/10/2020’ etched inside his glove.
“I got so drunk that over the next couple of days, I was like, ‘What am I even doing?’” Lucas had said when his relationship was on the verge of breaking. “And I wasn’t even doing it to spite her. I was doing it to spite myself. At the end of the day, it was to get in my own way.”
—Lucas Erceg, Kansas City Royals pitcher
This turnaround has been pivotal in his life and career, allowing him to refocus as he transitioned teams, first from the Milwaukee Brewers—the organization that drafted him—to the Oakland Athletics, and most recently to the Royals last season.
Enduring Royals Family Support and What Lies Ahead
The announcement of Lucas and Emma’s pregnancy highlights the strong support network within the Kansas City Royals community, notably around Bobby Witt Jr. and his family circle. Such solidarity reflects how personal lives and careers intertwine in professional sports, with family and mental health playing crucial roles. As the couple prepares for their new arrival, the Royals organization and its extended network of players and spouses are poised to continue their meaningful support, reinforcing bonds that extend well beyond the baseball diamond.