This season, the Kansas City Royals are off and running with one of the best starts in the majors, and one of K.C.'s young leaders is a proud alumnus of Lincoln Southeast High School.

It was a soggy, chilly day in Kansas City, but the Gordon backers were out in full force.

"He was great last year. He's going to be great this year," said Bill Fergusen, Kansas City.

Kauffman Stadium was full of energy as Royals fans are optimistic that Lex Gordon will continue to build on what he accomplished in his rookie season.

"There will be no sophomore jinx with Alex Gordon. He's playing phenomenal third base. With the sticks, he seems to be knockin' 'em out of the park, and he's going to live up to everything that they hoped he would," said Ed Dervin, Kansas City.

"That's just people talkin' -- sophomore slump, freshman slump -- you can go on and on, but it's just about going out there and relaxing and winning games so that's what we're doin'," said Alex Gordon, Royals Third Baseman.

"Last year on opening day, I'm not much of a crier, and last year I kind of teared up a little when I saw him. So, it means a lot to me to see him out there," said Eric Gordon, Lincoln.

Only three years apart, Eric and Alex have always been close.

"It's cool. Growing up he always played on the teams with me, and me and my buddies always beat him up a little bit and gave him crap all the time, but I think everything's paid off that he worked hard for and went through in the younger days, and it's really good to see him out there," Eric said.

"He puts a lot of expectations on himself. He wants to do the best he can all the time. Last year, he felt the pressure, but this year he's kind of calmed down and gotten used to everything. So, I think he'll do a lot better," he said. "Well, everybody dreams of the major leagues growin' up, playing ball, but for him it's come true and he thanks his lucky stars every night that he gets to be out there."

Last year, Alex had a rough day at the plate in Minnesota and that's when the struggling rookie picked up the phone and turned to his big brother for some words of wisdom and encouragement.

Eric doesn't know if what he said helped, but he does know that he'll always be there when his kid brother needs a shoulder to lean on.