No one who entered the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at Fleming Park had a bigger smile or brighter outlook than Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame second baseman Frank White.

He was about to embark on his first Secret Santa Sleigh Ride, and he was excited.

“I don’t know what to expect,” White said, “but I’ve heard so many good things about their sleigh rides and I can’t wait to see what they’re like.”

As this new crew of elves visited in Sheriff Mike Sharp’s office, Secret Santa made a request of White.

Before the eight-time Gold Glove second baseman could don a red ELF (Ever Lasting Friend) cap, he had to be initiated into the Society of ELFs.

“Let me prove myself worthy,” joked White as he took a knee before Secret Santa.

White looked at the crowd of onlookers gazing at him, and quipped, “I feel like I’m being knighted.”

In a way, he was.

“I want you to experience a random act of kindness,” Secret Santa said, “because it will change your life.”

Following the brief ceremony, White donned his ELF cap and was out the door.

The sleigh ride took Secret Santa, Sharp, White and a crew of elves to a Salvation Army Family Store in Lee’s Summit and the Independence Community Services League.

It was at the Community Services League where White experienced what the Secret Santa mission was all about.

A grandmother of 11, who was blind in one eye, was there to get some assistance so she might provide Christmas gifts for her grandchildren.

A single mother of two, who had no tree or presents, was about to be evicted from her apartment, and she needed help.

An 11-year-old boy named Sammy Faiva spent his free time volunteering at CSL and seemed wise beyond his years.

A widow simply needed some food from the CSL pantry because her pantry at home was empty.

“The stories were unbelievable,” said White, who spent several minutes talking to an Independence resident who was hoping to get some assistance so he could get toys for his children.

“I had this tear, hanging right here,” White said, pointing to the corner of his eye, “and I had to work to keep it from running down my cheek. These people had so much dignity, I wanted them to know how much I respected them. I was honored to be with them this holiday season.”

White earned his ELF hat that day, and promised that he will be a part of many future sleigh rides.

“It changed my life, it really did,” White said. “It’s amazing what one random act of kindness can mean to someone at Christmas, or really, any time of the year. I felt blessed to be asked to go along on the sleigh ride.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals have signed reliever Jose Mijares to a 1-year contract, giving manager Ned Yost another left-handed option late in games.

The team announced the deal Wednesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Mijares went 3-6 with a 3.16 ERA in 186 appearances since making his debut for the Twins in 2008, but he was just 0-2 with a 4.59 ERA in 58 games last season.

Mijares is currently 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in eight outings for Tigres De Aragua in the Venezuelan Winter League, with seven strikeouts and no walks.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore envisions Mijares as a situational lefty. Mijares fills out the Royals’ 40-man roster.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals have signed reliever Jose Mijares to a 1-year contract, giving manager Ned Yost another left-handed option late in games.

The team announced the deal Wednesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Mijares went 3-6 with a 3.16 ERA in 186 appearances since making his debut for the Twins in 2008, but he was just 0-2 with a 4.59 ERA in 58 games last season.

Mijares is currently 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in eight outings for Tigres de Aragua in the Venezuelan Winter League, with seven strikeout and no walks.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore envisions Mijares as a situational lefty. Mijares fills out the Royals’ 40-man roster.

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