The Kansas City Royals History began in 1969 when the franchise joined Major League Baseball as an expansion team. Over the years, Kansas City Royals Baseball has featured dynamic rosters, passionate fans, and memorable victories. With two World Series titles and several playoff appearances, the team continues to shape its place in baseball’s storied tradition.
Established
1969
City
Kansas City
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1969 – 1999 / American League
Team History
1969 – Present / Kansas City Royals
Nickname
Royals – As a sports fan, you may be familiar with the Kansas City Royals Major League Baseball team. But do you know where their nickname comes from? The origins of this name are rooted in the city’s history and connection to royalty.
The franchise was founded in 1969 as an expansion team for the American League. During that time, there were many suggestions for what to call them – some wanted “Mules” or “Monarchs,” while others favored something more closely related to cowboys and horses, such as “Rough Riders” or even just plain old “Royals."
Kansas City Royals Origin
However, it wasn't until 1969 when owner Ewing Kauffman settled on "Royals" after being inspired by Kansas City's long-standing relationship with royalty—notably through its association with King Louis IX of France, who had been given control over much of modern-day Missouri during his reign (1226–1270).
This link between royal bloodlines and Kansas City is also seen today in various places around town, such as Crown Center Square, which features statues honoring different members of European royal families throughout history.
In addition to paying homage to historical figures associated with local culture, the Royals' name has become symbolic among baseball fans across America, mainly because they won their first World Series title back in 1985 against all odds! Since then, they have gone on two other championship runs (2015 & 2019), cementing themselves firmly into MLB lore - making them one of only eight teams since 1976 who have won multiple titles within 10 years!
So next time you hear someone mention "the Royals," remember that they are talking about one excellent baseball team representing centuries of cultural heritage from around our great nation!
Championship
World Series 2
2015, 1985
Stadium
1973 – Present / Kauffman Stadium
1969 – 1972 / Municipal Stadium
Owner
2019 - Present / John Sherman
2000 – 2019 / David Glass
1993 – 2000 / Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
1969 – 1993 / Ewing Kauffman
- 1969
- 1973
- 1985
- 2003
- 2015
-
Kansas City Royals Team Formation
When the Kansas City Athletics moved to Oakland after the 1967 season, Kansas City was left without major league baseball or, for the first time since 1883, professional baseball at all. An enraged Senator Stuart Symington threatened to introduce legislation removing baseball’s antitrust exemption unless Kansas City was granted a team in the next round of expansion. Major League Baseball ... -
Kauffman Stadium Opens
Kauffman Stadium was built specifically for baseball during an era where building multi-sport “cookie-cutter” stadiums were commonplace. It is often held up along with Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles as one of the best examples of modernist stadium design. It is one of two ballparks in the American League to currently be named after a person (Ewing Kauffman), the other ... -
World Series Winner 1985
In the 1985 World Series against the cross-state St. Louis Cardinals (nicknamed the “I-70 Series” because the two teams are both located in the state of Missouri and connected by Interstate 70, the Royals again fell behind 3–1. The key game in the Royals’ comeback was Game 6. Facing elimination, the Royals trailed 1–0 in the bottom of the ninth ... -
David Glass Ownership
David Glass became the interim CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royals on September 23, 1993, following the death of the founding owner, Ewing Kauffman. Under Glass’s leadership, the board cut the payroll budget from $41 million to $19 million. During the Major League Baseball strike of 1994 – 1995, Glass opposed any settlement with the ... -
World Series Winner 2015
The 2015 World Series was the 111th edition of Major League Baseball’s championship series, a best-of-seven playoff between the National League (NL) champions New York Mets and the American League (AL) champions Kansas City Royals. The series was played between October 27 and November 1, with the Royals winning the series 4 games to 1. It was the first time ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Kansas City Royals History
The Kansas City Royals History begins in 1969 when the team entered Major League Baseball as an expansion franchise. Since that time, the Kansas City Royals Baseball tradition has developed a loyal fan base and a reputation for exciting play. Over the decades, the club has built a proud legacy built on strong drafting, homegrown talent, and memorable postseason runs.
During the 1970s, the Kansas City Royals quickly became contenders. Led by George Brett, Hal McRae, and other rising stars, the team captured three straight division titles from 1976 to 1978. Moreover, they reached the postseason several times during this era, firmly establishing the Kansas City Royals Baseball identity as a winning one.
In 1980, the Kansas City Royals History reached new heights with their first American League pennant. Although they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies, the experience helped them prepare for their first World Series championship in 1985. That year, powered by Willie Wilson, Frank White, Bret Saberhagen, and Dan Quisenberry, the Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals in a thrilling seven-game series.
However, after that triumph, the club endured rebuilding years through much of the 1990s and early 2000s. Nevertheless, the Kansas City Royals Baseball organization continued to develop young players and make strategic moves. When Dayton Moore became General Manager in 2006, he rebuilt the farm system and drafted future stars like Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, and Salvador Perez.
City Royals Achievements
By 2014, the Kansas City Royals History took another dramatic turn as the team returned to the playoffs for the first time in 29 years. They stormed through the American League and reached the World Series, falling just short against the San Francisco Giants. Yet, that run reignited the franchise and showed the baseball world that the Royals were contenders again.
The following season brought even greater success. In 2015, the Kansas City Royals Baseball team captured its second World Series title by defeating the New York Mets in five games. This victory marked the franchise’s seventh American League pennant and second championship, cementing the club’s status as one of the premier teams of its era.
Since then, the Kansas City Royals History has included several rebuilding phases, but the foundation laid by their championship core continues to influence the team’s direction. With a renewed focus on player development and strong leadership, the Kansas City Royals Baseball organization remains committed to building another winner and adding to its already impressive legacy.
"Every Inning is History. Every Fan is a Legacy"
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Kansas City Royals Team History: From Underdogs to Champions!
Explore the incredible journey of the Kansas City Royals, from their humble beginnings to their triumph as World Series champions. This video delves into the key moments, legendary players, and unforgettable games that have shaped the Royals' history. Discover surprising facts, behind-the-scenes stories, and the determination that propelled this team to greatness. Whether you're a die-hard Royals fan or new to baseball, this comprehensive look at the Kansas City Royals' team history will captivate and inspire you. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of a team that defied the odds and made history.
Retired Number
5 / George Brett
10 / Dick Howser
20 / Frank White
42 / Jackie Robinson
*Blue is this team’s history