This Day in Missouri Baseball History: Royals Up to Bat

April 8th, 1969: The Kansas City Royals played their first-ever game.

This day marked a significant moment for Kansas City which had been without a major league baseball team for two years after the Athletics moved to Oakland in 1967. The departure of the Athletics left Kansas City longing for a team to root for, and the Royals filled that void. The team’s name was inspired by the world-famous American Royal livestock show and barbecue competition held annually in town. Additionally, it paid homage to two Negro League teams.

Initially, the Royals played at the old Municipal Stadium, but in 1973, they moved to the newly constructed Royals Stadium. Later, in 1993, the stadium was renamed Kauffman Stadium in honor of founder Ewing Kauffman.

World Series Championships

The Kansas City Royals Defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 in the I-70 Series

The Kansas City Royals defeated the New York Mets 4-1.

Pennants

1980

New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals. Kansas City won the series, 3–0.

1985

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals. Kansas City won the series, 4–3.

2014

Baltimore Orioles vs Kansas City Royals. Kansas City won the series, 4–0.

2015

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals. Kansas City won the series, 4–2.

Players in Hall of Fame

Year	Name	Years with Royals	Inducted As
2010	Whitey Herzog	1975-1979	Manager
2009	Joe Gordon	1969 (First Manager)	Player
1999	George Brett	1973-1993	Player
1999	Orlando Cepeda	1974	Player
1991	Gaylord Perry	1983	Player
1984	Harmon Killebrew	1975	Player
1976	Bob Lemon	1970-1972 (Manager)	Player

Stadiums

Kauffman Stadium (1973–present)
Municipal Stadium (1969–1972)