Kansas City Royals
Kauffman Stadium
Missouri, United States
Established in 1969 as part of Major League Baseball's expansion, the Kansas City Royals quickly became a prominent franchise in the American League Central Division. The team was created in response to the Kansas City Athletics' relocation to Oakland in 1968, ensuring that professional baseball remained in Kansas City.
To name the team, the franchise's owner held a contest, which was won by Sanford Porte, a bridge engineer who submitted the name "Royals." The name had no connection to monarchy but was instead inspired by Missouri’s status as the nation’s leading stocker and feeder market, its billion-dollar livestock industry, and the nationally known American Royal parade and pageant.
The Royals found success early, securing their first playoff appearance in 1976. They captured their first World Series title in 1985, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in a memorable seven-game series. This championship run was fueled by stars such as Amos Otis, Hal McRae, John Mayberry, George Brett, Frank White, Willie Wilson, and Bret Saberhagen.
However, following their 1985 victory, the Royals endured a 28-year playoff drought from 1986 to 2013, failing to qualify for the MLB postseason. But they returned stronger than ever in 2015, capturing their second championship by defeating the New York Mets in five games. This title run was led by key players like Salvador Pérez, Alex Gordon, Johnny Cueto, Danny Duffy, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain, and an elite bullpen.
In recent years, the Royals have focused on developing young talent, with standout shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. making significant contributions both offensively and defensively. As they continue rebuilding, the team remains fiercely competitive, defending their home turf against their primary rival, the St. Louis Cardinals. Additionally, they maintain strong divisional rivalries with the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins.