KC Milestones, Part II: A City's Pride and Passion
Welcome back to the second installment of our journey through the remarkable baseball history of Kansas City. In this part, we'll explore some of the most memorable moments that have shaped the city's love affair with the sport. From no-hitters to All-Star Games, and even a thrilling World Series victory, get ready to dive into the thrilling world of Royals baseball.
The Royals' New Home
In 1973, the Kansas City Royals moved into the state-of-the-art Royals Stadium, a venue that would become a second home for generations of fans. But it was the legendary Nolan Ryan who made his mark on the new field just a few months later.
Nolan Ryan's No-Hitter
On May 15, 1973, Ryan, just 26 years old, threw his first career no-hitter against the Royals. It was a dominant performance, striking out 12 batters and throwing 132 pitches. The Angels' Bob Oliver provided the offense, but Ryan's mastery on the mound was unforgettable.
All-Star Game Glory
Two months later, Royals Stadium hosted the All-Star Game, and the Royals had three of their own on the American League squad: Amos Otis, John Mayberry, and Cookie Rojas. Otis and Mayberry started the game, and Otis delivered with an RBI single in the second inning.
The Johnny Bench Home Run
The highlight of the game came in the fourth inning when Johnny Bench hit a massive solo home run off Bill Singer. This home run remains one of the longest ever hit in the stadium, showcasing the power of the Royals' new home.
National League Dominance
The All-Star Game was part of a remarkable streak of National League dominance. Between 1963 and 1985, the NL won 21 of 23 All-Star Games, with Bobby Bonds of the San Francisco Giants named MVP.
Steve Busby's No-Hitters
Steve Busby, another Royals pitcher, threw the first two no-hitters in team history, but both came on the road. In 1977, Jim Colborn took the mound in Royals Stadium and threw the first no-hitter by a Royals pitcher in their new home.
World Series Victory
Game 7 of the 1985 World Series, played at Royals Stadium, clinched the team's first World Championship. It was a historic game, but it was Game 6 that remains the most talked-about, with Cardinals fans still complaining about the outcome.
Bret Saberhagen's Signature Moment
Bret Saberhagen, a new father, delivered a masterful performance in 1991, scattering five hits over nine innings and leading the Royals to their first title. His signature moment came in a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
Paul Molitor's 3,000th Hit
On September 16, 1996, Paul Molitor became the only player to collect his 3,000th career hit in Kansas City. He achieved this feat with a fifth-inning triple, and the crowd celebrated with a standing ovation and a fireworks display.
2012 All-Star Game
In 2012, Kansas City hosted its third All-Star Game, with the stadium looking spiffy after a $250 million renovation. The game itself was forgettable, with the National League winning 8-0. Melky Cabrera, traded to the Giants, was named MVP, causing some angst among Royals fans.
The Home Run Derby Controversy
The Home Run Derby, a fan favorite, saw a controversial moment when Robinson Canó, who promised to include a Royals player, left Billy Butler off the roster. Kansas City fans expressed their anger, and Canó became a new villain in the city.
Miguel Cabrera's Triple Crown
In 2012, Miguel Cabrera, in the midst of a glorious career, clinched the Triple Crown in the final series. He received a standing ovation from the 30,383 fans in attendance, making him a beloved figure in Kansas City.
The 2014 Playoffs
September 30, 2014, is etched in the memories of Royals fans. A sellout crowd witnessed a thrilling comeback, with the Royals stealing a record seven bases and rallying to win. This victory ignited a remarkable run, sweeping the Angels and Orioles and taking the Giants to the brink of Game 7.
The 2015 Team's Dominance
The 2015 Royals team played with a winning mindset from the first pitch, and it was a beautiful sight. They laid the groundwork for future success, leaving a lasting legacy in the city's baseball history.
