KC Milestones, Part II: A City's Pride and Joy
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 World Series championship, get ready to relive the magic!
The Royals' New Home and Nolan Ryan's No-Hitter
In 1973, the Kansas City Royals moved into the state-of-the-art Royals Stadium, a venue that would become a second home for the team and its fans. Just a few months later, on May 15, 1973, the stadium witnessed a historic moment. Nolan Ryan, a young pitcher for the California Angels, threw his first career no-hitter, leaving the Royals' offense in awe. At just 26 years old, Ryan was already a seasoned veteran, having played in 144 games across seven seasons.
Ryan's dominance continued in 1972, as he led the league with 329 strikeouts, showcasing his ace-like abilities. On that warm evening, the Angels' offense provided all the runs Ryan needed, with Bob Oliver's single and solo home run securing the victory. Ryan's performance was nothing short of masterful, striking out 12 batters and throwing 132 pitches, despite walking three, including Steve Hovley, who stole second base.
The Royals had their chances, but the Angels' defense stood strong. Rudy Meoli's over-the-shoulder catch in the eighth inning and Ken Berry's catch on the warning track in the ninth inning sealed Ryan's no-hitter victory. Ryan's success continued, as he went on to throw seven no-hitters in his career, a major league record. His dominance extended to one-hitters and two-hitters, further solidifying his place in baseball history.
All-Star Game and National League Dominance
Fast forward to July 24, 1973, and the Royals Stadium hosted the 44th annual Major League All-Star Game. The American League squad featured Amos Otis, John Mayberry, and Cookie Rojas, with Otis and Mayberry starting the game. Otis's RBI single in the second inning put the Americans on the board. The highlight of the game came in the fourth inning when Johnny Bench hit a massive solo home run, sending it into the upper reaches of the left-field stands.
The National League's dominance was evident as they pummeled the American League pitchers, winning the game 7-1. This win was part of a remarkable streak, as the NL won 21 of 23 All-Star Games between 1963 and 1985. Bobby Bonds of the San Francisco Giants was named the MVP, and the game featured 18 future Hall of Famers.
Steve Busby's No-Hitter and the 1985 World Series
Steve Busby, a Royals pitcher, threw the team's first no-hitter in 1977, but it was a road game. On May 14, 1977, Jim Colborn took the mound, showcasing his skills behind an eclectic lineup. Colborn retired the first 14 Texas Rangers and got stronger as the game progressed, throwing the first no-hitter by a Royals pitcher in Royals Stadium. He finished the season with an impressive 18-14 record and 239 innings pitched.
The 1985 World Series, Game 7, held at Royals Stadium, was a historic moment for the city. While Game 6, known as the Denkinger game, remains a controversial and exciting match, Game 7 felt like a foregone conclusion. The Royals, led by the masterful Bret Saberhagen, secured their first World Championship with a dominant performance.
Saberhagen's No-Hitter and a Special Moment
Saberhagen's signature moment in the stadium came on August 26, 1991. His pitching was exceptional, with a popping fastball and biting breaking pitches. He cruised through the first four innings, issuing just one walk. The fifth inning almost saw the wheels come off, but Saberhagen's defense came through, with Kirk Gibson's error ruling out a potential hit.
Saberhagen's performance continued to shine, as he retired 14 of the next 15 batters. The lone hiccup was an eighth-inning walk to Dan Pasqua, but he got Frank Thomas on a grounder to second, completing the last no-hitter in Royals history. This achievement marked a special moment for the city and its fans.
Paul Molitor's 3,000th Hit and a Prideful Moment
On September 16, 1996, Paul Molitor, a Royals player, achieved a remarkable feat by collecting his 3,000th career hit in Kansas City. Facing José Rosado, Molitor stroked a fifth-inning triple into the right-center gap, a moment that was celebrated by his family and the crowd. The game was delayed while a montage of Molitor's career played on the video board, showcasing his Hall of Fame career.
2012 All-Star Game and a Disappointing Moment
The 2012 All-Star Game, hosted by Kansas City, was a forgettable affair, with the National League winning 8-0. The game's MVP, Melky Cabrera, was traded to the Giants over the winter, causing some angst among Royals fans. The deal, involving pitcher Jonathan Sánchez, was considered one of the worst by Dayton Moore.
The Home Run Derby, a highlight of the All-Star Game, saw a disappointing moment when American League captain Robinson Canó left Billy Butler off the roster, despite his impressive 16 homers at the break. Canó's decision to exclude a hometown player sparked anger among Kansas City fans, who let him know their feelings.
A New Villain and a Proud Moment
Canó's actions created a new villain in Kansas City, as he joined a long line of Yankee heels. However, the city found a reason to be proud in 2014 when Miguel Cabrera clinched the Triple Crown, the first in the American League since 1967. Cabrera's performance, including a home run and a standing ovation from 30,383 fans, made every Royals fan proud.
The 2014 Playoffs and a City's Triumph
September 30, 2014, was a day that every Royals fan will remember. A sellout crowd witnessed a thrilling winner-take-all showdown, with the Royals stealing a record seven bases. The team's comeback, from trailing 7-3 in the eighth to winning in the 12th, ignited a winning streak. The Royals swept the Angels and Orioles and took the Giants to the final out of Game 7.
This triumph set the stage for the 2015 team, which played with a winning mindset from the very first pitch. The city's pride and joy continued, as the Royals' success and memorable moments became an integral part of Kansas City's baseball legacy.
