Kansas City Royals: A Royal Tradition (SABR Baseball Library)

Kansas City Royals: A Royal Tradition recounts the best moments and best players in the franchise's first half-century and represents the collected effort of 48 members of SABR, the Society for American Baseball Research. A Royal Tradition includes biographies of George Brett, Paul Splittorff, Bo Jackson, Amos Otis, Freddie Patek, and Denny Matthews among many others, and recaps great stories in Royals history, from the creation of the icon Royals logo and Kauffman Stadium to historic games, like the 1980 defeat of the Yankees and the crowning achievement: the 2015 World Series championship.Foreword by Ryan LefebvreFrom the Introduction by Curt Nelson, Director - Royals Hall of Fame:The history of professional baseball in Kansas City dates back to before the city took that name in 1889. When the Royals debuted in 1969 they were a continuation of an already rich Kansas City tradition. The Royals story now includes fifty years of highs and lows, thrilling moments, and memories to last a lifetime for those that lived them. More great players and colorful characters—and yes, more championships. This book is a marker in time on this golden anniversary of Kansas City Royals Baseball, to celebrate all that has taken place in the past 50 years, and the work and skill of so many that made it happen. Kansas City is fertile ground for baseball, and the Royals have flourished here—they have also been a worthy heir to the historic legacy that preceded them. Kansas City is the heart of America in my view, and I believe baseball is certainly a significant part of the Kansas City's soul. With contributions by Mark Armour, Jeff Barto, Russell Bergtold, Rich Bogovich, Thomas L. Brown Jr., Frederick C. Bush, Bill Carle, Ken Carrano, Alan Cohen, Richard Cuicchi, John DiFonzo, Michael Engel, Charles F. Faber, Adam Foldes, James Forr, Brian M. Frank, Steve Friedman, Adrian Fung, Gordon Gattie, Peter M. Gordon, Paul Hofmann, Mike Huber, Stephen Katsoulis, Norm King, Thomas M. Knosby, Steven Kuehl, Bill Lamberty, Kevin Larkin, Bob LeMoine, Dan Levitt, Robert P. Nash, Larry Pauley, Max Rieper, Curt Smith, Glen Sparks, John Harry Stahl, Andrew Stockmann, Mark S. Sternman, Clayton Trutor, Darin Watson, Gregory H. Wolf, Steve Wulf, and Jack Zerby.PLAYERSKevin AppierGeorge BrettSteve BusbyJohnny DamonMark GubiczaLarry GuraBo JacksonDennis LeonardMike MacfarlaneJohn MayberryHal McRaeJeff MontgomeryAmos OtisFreddie PatekDarrell PorterDan QuisenberryJoe RandaCookie RojasBret SaberhagenKevin SeitzerPaul SplittorffMike SweeneyDanny TartabullFrank WhiteWillie WilsonOWNER, EXECUTIVES, MEDIAEwing KauffmantWhitey HerzogDick HowserDenny MatthewsJohn SchuerholzCedric TallisGeorge TomaNed YostTHE LOGO AND THE BALLPARKThe Creation of the Royals LogoKauffman StadiumNOTABLE GAMESApr 8, 1969: Symington’s RevengeApr 9, 1969: Royals UndefeatedAug. 2, 1973: Brett DebutSept. 29, 1976: Royals ClinchJune 15, 1979: “Comeback for all Seasons”Aug. 17, 1980: Brett Tops .400Oct. 10, 1980: Royals Advance to First WSOct. 11, 1985: Brett’s “Best Game”Oct. 16, 1985: AL PennantOct. 26, 1985: Game SixOct. 27, 1985: Rout RedbirdsApr 12, 1986: Leonard’s Comeback Aug. 19, 1986: White’s Seven RBIsAug. 2, 1987: Seitzer 6-for-6July 17, 1990: Bo KnowsJune 6, 1991: Outlast RangersSept. 30, 1992: Brett 3,000thSept. 26, 1993: Brett Walk-offApr 5, 2004: Opening DaySept. 26, 2014: First Postseason in 29 YearsSept. 30, 2014: Wild Card GameOct. 12, 2015: Miracle at Minute MaidOct. 17, 2015: Late RallyOct. 23, 2015: Cain Races HomeOct. 27, 2015: Game OneNov1, 2015:Beat MetsMay 28, 2016: 7 in the NinthAug. 1, 2016: Duffy Sweet Sixteen