Kansas City baseball has a rich history which includes only one World Championship, but the memories are amazing.
In 1955 Kansas City became a major league baseball city. Unfortunately, the A’s were awful from day one until 1967 when they moved to Oakland. Names like Catfish Hunter and Blue Moon Odom came on board in 66 and Reggie Jackson was drafted the year before A’s success started in California.
A’s memories include: Gus Zerial, Harry “Suitcase” Simpson, Vic Power, Bert “Campy” Campaneris, Lou Krausse and Lou Pinella. And of course Charles O. Finley.
Fortunately major league baseball liked Kansas City and the Royal’s were created one year after the A’s left.
Since 1969 the Royal’s are 3,610 and 3,840 not including last night. They’ve played in three World Series winning in 1985. Our boy’s have made the playoffs just 8 times in 46 years, but we still love them!
This year’s team is very talented. Recently Major League Baseball named a Franchise Four for each team. The Royal’s 4 best players were: George Brett, Frank White, Dan Quisenberry and Brett Saberhagen. No argument here.
Just for fun let’s do “Best Ever” by position.
Left field is Alex Gordan with Bo Jackson a close second; Center field goes to Lorenzo Cain in a battle with Amos Otis and Willie Wilson; Right field is tough with Al Cowens edging Jeramine Dye; Brett at third; Alcides Escobar at short over Freddie Patek; White at second with Eric Hozmer at first over John Mayberry and Steve “Bye Bye” Balboni. DH is tough, but Hal McCrea was special; Salvadore Perez is my catcher. Pitchers are too difficult to pick. Saberhagen and Quiz were great, but so were Splittorf, Leanard, Busby, Greinke, Cone, Montgomery and Holland. And maybe Wade Davis!
This year’s team is special. Very talented and getting the breaks winners seem to find. Not sure what happened last night, but this recent skid should NOT be a concern. No, it’s not fun to lose, but this is baseball and those other guys are really good too. Teams like the White Sox are playing to impress – it’s September!
Ned Yost is using his big advantage in the standings to get his players rested and ready for the playoffs. Win or lose in the post season what Ned is doing right now is calculated to make his team better in October.
Here’s a fun question to ponder: If you are starting a team made up of former Royal’s who is your first pick? George Brett or Bo Jackson.
Royal’s baseball – got to love’em!
I’m Steve Sauder
