Have you noticed the Royals’ latest home run celebration? We tracked down the origin

There is a new home run celebration sweeping through the Kansas City Royals clubhouse as KC soars up the American League Central standings.

It’s not quite “Angels in the Outfield,” but the Royals’ latest “wings” signal has them believing in the power of the long ball.

And everyone has joined in on the act.

Royals captain Salvador Perez flapped his arms like a bird when rounding first base for both of his home runs Monday against the Cleveland Guardians. Bobby Witt Jr. has done the celebration as well.

So where did this phenomenon come from? Well, after a thorough clubhouse investigation by The Star, you might be surprised to know this home run celebration comes from … the bullpen.

“It’s kind of funny because me and (Angel) Zerpa started it and everyone liked it,” Royals bullpen catcher Juan Graterol said. “The guys hit a homer and I’m like, ‘Let a bird fly!’ It’s great and I think it’s funny. It’s having fun with those guys.”

The Royals have stretched their wings this season in charting a course toward a postseason berth.

Graterol is excited for the playoff push. He said the home run celebration began earlier this season but didn’t gain steam until recent weeks.

“Just trying to send a message from the bullpen and the guys to support all the hitters,” Graterol said. “I think earlier in the season we started it and nobody even saw it. But now the guys have seen it and started doing it.”

Several relievers enjoy it, too. It caught on organically and has provided a morale boost in and around the clubhouse.

“We talk about it all the time, you know, if they hit a homer they at least need to show some love down there,” Royals reliever Chris Stratton said. “It’s all a part of the fun and a part of the game. We give them a lot of crap if they don’t say something. So they usually do.”

The Royals are known for their special celebrations. After every win, there is the special “Salvy Splash” that Perez made famous. The starting pitchers support each other with in-game huddles in the dugout.

Royals infielders also wore high socks at one point this season. The goal was to create camaraderie on and off the field.

Count the bird wings as the latest trend.

“The bullpen is kind of like the team away from the team because we are not in the dugout,” Royals reliever Lucas Erceg said. “So any time a player that is in the dugout is able to acknowledge us or just make us feel like we’re a part of the team, it makes us feel good and we all love it.”

The Royals hope to keep the good times going down the stretch. And there are sure to be a few more arms flapping in the near future.