Kansas City Comeback: Royals

by Lorena Coleman

If you were able to visit Kauffman stadium this September, you might have noticed a level of excitement that couldn’t quite be contained. Fans decked out in Royals blue packed into the seats, eager to see the outcome of a telling game. The stadium was abuzz with excitement over the American League Wild Card race, with the Kansas City Royals positioned 2.5 games back and a chance of entering the playoffs.

Looking at Kauffman stadium during this same time last year, you would’ve had a completely different feeling. The Royals themselves seemed like a completely different team- the proof lies in the stats. Last year, the Royals were finishing up the season 12 games under .500, with April’s hope of a successful year all but a distant memory. Up until this year, the Royals had only two winning seasons in 20 years, 1993 and 2003. Every year Royals fans were told that this was their year, believing that the losing streak would come to an end, only to be disappointed when the regular season concluded with the Royals below .500.

While Kansas City might not have made it into the playoffs this year, their 2013 season was not something to shrug off. They started the season off great with a solid 14-10 record in April only to go downhill in May with a 19-game losing streak. Going into the All-Star break it seemed like the Royals were destined to have another lackluster season. But after the break ended, Kansas City came out of the gates charging, somehow digging themselves out of the hole created in May to push themselves over .500. Kansas City finished up 86-76, ending a decade long losing streak 10 games over .500.

The Royals’ TV ratings increased by over 70% from 2012 as happy fans tuned in to cheer on their revived team, who seemed to ignite a spark that had fizzled out in the last decade. With veterans like 2-time Gold Glove winner Alex Gordon, All-Star catcher Salvador Perez and 1st- baseman Eric Hosmer, 2014 looks like it could be a memorable year. Continue to look for lots of power in the bullpen from starting pitchers like James Shields and Jeremy Guthrie, and closer Greg Holland, assuming the athletes return to Kansas City next year.

While I can’t predict what 2014 will bring for Royals baseball, I feel that if they keep improving their game the Royals have a good shot at the postseason. The last time the Royals played in postseason they surpassed the St. Louis Cardinals to win the 1985 World Series. One thing is for sure, next season is one you do not want to miss.