KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Kansas City Royals manager Trey Hillman said Tuesday he was grateful for the remarks made in support of him by Hall of Famer George Brett.

Brett ripped local television sportscasters and talk radio hosts by name Monday in a profanity laced interview on the local NBC station for criticizing Hillman.

The interview took place at a local charity golf tournament on the Royals’ off day.

“You always like support and, obviously, it was very supportive of what I bring to the table as a manager, more importantly, the support for our organization,” Hillman said.

“This community is so passionate, people want to see it happen all at one time and George, as a baseball man, has a pretty good feel for the process that we’re going through.”

Brett is a Royals vice president and assists the team as a spring training coach.

Hillman said his phone “lit up like a Christmas tree” after the Brett interview was aired. He said he talked to Brett after seeing the interview.

“I just asked George if he was OK,” Hillman said. “He said, “Yeah, I’m fine. I’ve just had enough.’ I said, “Obviously, I certainly appreciate your support.’ It wasn’t anything that George and I had talked about specifically.

“I said, “It certainly wasn’t alcohol-induced, was it?’ He said, “Absolutely not. I’d had enough.'”

I was sick and tired of hearing people slam you for the job that you’re doing when I know what you bring to the table and how much respect other people have for you. It’s a shame the community media people don’t have the respect that they should.’ I expressed my appreciation, and that was pretty much the end of the conversation.”

AP-ES-05-19-09 2206EDT

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