History of Kansas City Royals in Timeline

The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team founded in 1969, based in Kansas City, Missouri, and a member of the American League Central Division. They have reached the World Series four times, securing victories in 1985 and 2015, while experiencing defeats in 1980 and 2014.

1955: Athletics in Kansas City

In 1955, the Athletics were playing in Kansas City.

1960: All-Star Game Hosted at Municipal Stadium

In 1960, the All-Star Game was previously held at Municipal Stadium, when the Athletics were based in Kansas City.

1967: Athletics Moved to Oakland

After the 1967 season, the Kansas City Athletics moved to Oakland, leaving Kansas City without major league baseball.

1968: Athletics Moved to Oakland

In 1968, the Athletics moved to Oakland, California.

1968: Name-the-team contest

In 1968, the Kansas City Royals held a name-the-team contest. Sanford Porte won with the name 'Royals'.

April 8, 1969: Inaugural Game

On April 8, 1969, the Kansas City Royals played their inaugural game, defeating the Minnesota Twins 4–3 in 12 innings.

1969: Win-loss record

From 1969 to 2025, the Kansas City Royals have an all time win–loss record of 4,290–4,703–2 (.477).

1969: Kansas City Granted a Team

In 1969, Kansas City was granted a baseball team after pressure from Senator Stuart Symington.

1969: Joined American League

In 1969, the Kansas City Royals joined the American League, alongside the Seattle Pilots.

1969: Team Founded as Expansion Franchise

In 1969, the Kansas City Royals were founded as an expansion franchise and began competing in Major League Baseball (MLB).

1970: Worst Franchise Record

In 1990, the Royals concluded the season with the worst franchise record since 1970, going 75-86.

1971: MLB Granted Team

In 1971, Kansas City was initially awarded one of four teams by Major League Baseball.

1971: First Winning Season

In 1971, the Kansas City Royals had their first winning season, finishing in second place under manager Bob Lemon.

1971: Block "Kansas City" wordmark used

In 1971, the Royals used the block "Kansas City" wordmark.

April 10, 1973: Played at Kauffman Stadium

On April 10, 1973, the Kansas City Royals began playing at Kauffman Stadium, formerly known as Royals Stadium.

1973: All-Star Game Hosted at Royals Stadium

In 1973, the All-Star Game was hosted at Royals Stadium, with Amos Otis and John Mayberry in the AL starting lineup.

1973: New Uniforms and Stadium

In 1973, under manager Jack McKeon, the Kansas City Royals adopted their iconic "powder blue" road uniforms and moved to Royals Stadium.

1975: Whitey Herzog becomes Royals manager

In 1975, Whitey Herzog became the manager for the Royals.

1975: Herzog Replaced McKeon

In 1975, Whitey Herzog replaced Jack McKeon as manager of the Kansas City Royals.

1976: Division Championships

From 1976 to 1978, the Kansas City Royals won three straight division championships.

1976: First playoff appearance for the Royals

In 1976, Whitey Herzog led Kansas City to the franchise's first playoff appearance.

1976: Playoff Appearance

In 1976, the Kansas City Royals appeared in the playoffs.

1976: Yankees win ALCS against Royals

In 1976, the New York Yankees won the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Kansas City Royals.

1977: Royals' second playoff appearance

In 1977, Whitey Herzog led Kansas City to the franchise's second playoff appearance.

1977: 100-Win Season

In 1977, the Kansas City Royals had their only 100-win season.

1977: Yankees win ALCS against Royals

In 1977, the New York Yankees won the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Kansas City Royals.

1978: Division Championships

From 1976 to 1978, the Kansas City Royals won three straight division championships.

1978: Royals' third playoff appearance

In 1978, Whitey Herzog led Kansas City to the franchise's third playoff appearance.

1978: Yankees win ALCS against Royals

In 1978, the New York Yankees won the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Kansas City Royals.

1979: Herzog Fired

In 1979, Whitey Herzog was fired and replaced by Jim Frey after the Royals finished in second place.

1979: Whitey Herzog fired as Royals manager

In 1979, Whitey Herzog was fired as the Royals' manager.

1980: World Series Appearance

In 1980, the Kansas City Royals made a World Series appearance but lost.

1980: Royals win ALCS against Yankees

In 1980, the Kansas City Royals won the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the New York Yankees.

1980: Advanced to World Series

In 1980, under Jim Frey, the Kansas City Royals advanced to the World Series but lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.

1982: Block "Kansas City" wordmark used

In 1982, the Royals used the block "Kansas City" wordmark.

July 1983: Pine Tar Incident

In July 1983, the "Pine Tar Incident" occurred when umpires discovered illegal placement of pine tar on George Brett's bat, leading to a disallowed home run, which was later reinstated.

1983: Organization Changes

In 1983, Ewing Kauffman sold 49% of his interest to Avron Fogelman, and John Schuerholz was named general manager, bolstering the farm system.

1983: Pine Tar Incident

In 1983, there was the Pine Tar Incident involving the Royals and the Yankees.

1984: Fifth Division Championship

In 1984, the Royals won their fifth division championship but were swept by the Detroit Tigers in the American League Championship Series.

1985: World Series Championship

Following their 1985 World Series championship, the Royals maintained a reputation as one of the American League West's top teams.

1985: Regular Season and Playoff Performance

In 1985, the Royals topped the Western Division, led by Bret Saberhagen, and rallied to win the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays after trailing 3-1.

1985: Royals victory in the World Series

In 1985, the Royals won the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, a series known as the "I-70 Series."

1985: Bret Saberhagen wins Cy Young Award

In 2009, Zack Greinke joined Bret Saberhagen (in 1985 and 1989) and David Cone (in 1994) as only the third player in Royals history to receive the Cy Young Award.

1986: Postseason Drought

From 1986 to 2013, the Kansas City Royals did not qualify for the MLB postseason.

1987: Retirement of Dick Howser's No. 10

Following his death, former manager Dick Howser's No. 10 was retired in 1987.

1989: Powerhouse Pitching Rotation

At the end of the 1989 season, the Kansas City Royals had a powerhouse pitching rotation, including Bret Saberhagen, Mark Gubicza and Tom Gordon.

1989: Winning Season

In 1989, The Royals finished the season with a 92–70 record but did not qualify for the playoffs.

1989: Bret Saberhagen wins Cy Young Award

In 2009, Zack Greinke joined Bret Saberhagen (in 1985 and 1989) and David Cone (in 1994) as only the third player in Royals history to receive the Cy Young Award.

1989: Most wins since 1989

The Royals finished the 2014 regular season with a record 89–73, still the most wins for the Royals since 1989.

1990: John Schuerholz departs

In 1990, General Manager John Schuerholz departed from the Royals.

1990: George Brett's Batting Title

In 1990, George Brett won his third and final batting title, becoming the first player to win batting titles in three different decades.

1990: Off-season Acquisitions and Disappointing Season

Prior to the 1990 season, the Royals acquired Mark Davis and Storm Davis. Despite these promising off-season moves, the team suffered critical bullpen injuries and had a disappointing season, finishing with a 75–86 record.

1991: Bo Jackson Waived

In 1991, Bo Jackson suffered a hip injury while playing football and was waived by the Royals during spring training.

1991: Last time powder blue alternate uniform was worn with powder blue pants

Since 1991 the Royals had not worn the combination of the powder blue alternate uniform with powder blue pants.

1992: Team Dropped out of Contention

From 1990 to 1992, the Kansas City Royals dropped out of contention, but generally posted winning records.

1993: Ewing Kauffman dies

In 1993, team owner Ewing Kauffman died. Shortly before his death, he set up a succession plan to keep the team in Kansas City.

1994: Royals reduce payroll

During the 1994 season, the Royals reduced payroll by trading pitcher David Cone and outfielder Brian McRae. The team payroll was $40.5 million, the fourth-highest in the major leagues.

1994: Moved to AL Central

In 1994, the Royals moved from the AL West to the newly created AL Central along with the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins, joined by the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers from the AL East.

1994: David Cone wins Cy Young Award

In 2009, Zack Greinke joined Bret Saberhagen (in 1985 and 1989) and David Cone (in 1994) as only the third player in Royals history to receive the Cy Young Award.

1994: Best winning percentage since 1994

In 2013, the Royals finished the season 86–76 and in third place in the AL Central, securing the team's best winning percentage since 1994.

1994: Winning record since 1994

The 2003 season saw a temporary end to the losing, when manager Tony Peña guided the team to its first winning record (83–79) since 1994 and a third-place finish in the AL Central.

1994: Winning Records Through Strike-Shortened Season

Through the strike-shortened 1994 season, the Kansas City Royals could generally be counted on to post winning records.

1995: Losing Season

From 1995 to 2012, the Kansas City Royals had only one winning season, which was in 2003.

1995: Salary dump continues

In the 1995 season, the Royals continued their salary dump.

April 5, 1996: Sluggerrr's first appearance

On April 5, 1996, Sluggerrr the lion made his first appearance as the mascot of the Royals.

1996: Payroll plummets

In 1996, the team payroll was sliced in half from $40.5 million in 1994 to $18.5 million, which was the second-lowest in the major leagues.

1997: Revival of the I-70 Series in non-exhibition games

In 1997, interleague play allowed the I-70 Series to be revived in non-exhibition games.

1997: Royals decline NL switch

In 1997, the Royals declined the opportunity to switch to the National League as part of a realignment plan. The Milwaukee Brewers made the switch instead.

1998: Brewers leave for NL Central

In 1998, the Milwaukee Brewers left the AL Central for the NL Central and were replaced by the Detroit Tigers who moved from the AL East.

1999: Payroll falls to $16.5 million

By 1999, the Royals' payroll had fallen again to $16.5 million. The team also set a franchise-low with a .398 winning percentage (64–97 record).

1999: Miles Prentice bids for the team

In 1999, New York City lawyer and minor league baseball owner Miles Prentice bid $75 million for the team.

March 13, 2000: Foundation accepts Glass' bid

On March 13, 2000, the Foundation voted to accept David Glass' bid of $96 million, rejecting Miles Prentice's revised bid of $115 million.

2001: Royals lose 97 games again

In 2001, the Royals lost 97 games again.

January 1, 2002: Kauffman restrictions to end

On January 1, 2002, the Kauffman restrictions were to end, and the team was to be sold to the highest bidder if no owner could be found.

2002: Addition of black to color scheme and uniforms

In 2002, the Royals incorporated black into their color scheme, which was reflected in updated team uniforms.

2002: Royals lose 100 games

In 2002, the Royals set a new team record for futility, losing 100 games for the first time in franchise history. They fired manager Tony Muser, and he was replaced by Tony Peña.

July 2003: Winning month

In July 2003, the Royals had their first winning month since June 2007.

August 29, 2003: Latest date led division

The Royals reached the top of the division standings on August 11, after winning their eighth game in a row. This marked the latest date the Royals had led their division since August 29, 2003.

2003: Winning Season

In 2003, the Kansas City Royals had a winning season.

2003: Sleeveless uniforms introduced

In 2003, the Royals introduced sleeveless home and grey uniforms, paired with different colored undershirts and a black alternate uniform.

2003: First winning season since 2003

On September 22, 2013, the Royals won their 82nd game of the season to clinch the franchise's first winning season since 2003.

2003: Cardinals hold slight advantage in I-70 Series

Through the 2003 season, the Cardinals held a slight advantage in the I-70 series, with a 14-13 record.

2004: Losing streak begins

From the 2004 season through the 2012 season, the Royals posted nine consecutive losing records, the longest streak in team history. The Royals lost at least 100 games in 2004-2006.

2004: Rebuilding mode

In 2004, the Royals got off to an underwhelming start and by late June were back in a rebuilding mode, releasing veteran reliever Curtis Leskanic and trading veteran reliever Jason Grimsley and superstar center fielder Carlos Beltrán for prospects.

2005: Royals lose 19 games in a row

In 2005, the Royals finished with a 56–106 record, a full 43 games out of first place, marking the third time in four seasons that the team reestablished the mark for worst record in franchise history. The season also saw the Royals lose 19 games in a row, a franchise record. During the season manager Tony Peña quit and was replaced by interim manager Bob Schaefer until Buddy Bell was chosen as the next manager.

2005: Franchise record for losses

The 2005 season saw the Royals set the franchise's all-time record for losses (56–106).

2006: Black eliminated from uniforms; return to sleeved uniforms

In 2006, black was eliminated from the uniforms, and the Royals returned to wearing sleeved uniforms with arm piping. The "Kansas City" script returned on road uniforms. For a few games, black uniforms were used with the "Kansas City" script, before being retired.

2006: 100-loss season continues

In 2006, the Royals struggled through another 100-loss season, becoming just the eleventh team in major league history to lose 100 games in three straight seasons. During the season Allard Baird was fired as GM and replaced by Dayton Moore.

February 22, 2007: Denny Matthews selected as Ford C. Frick Award recipient

On February 22, 2007, Denny Matthews was selected as the 2007 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award for major contributions to baseball broadcasting.

June 2007: First winning month

In June 2007, the Royals had their first winning month since July 2003.

2007: Mike Sweeney's departure

No. 29, worn by Royals greats Dan Quisenberry and Mike Sweeney, has not been assigned since Sweeney's departure in 2007.

2008: Introduction of new powder blue alternate uniform

In 2008, the Royals introduced a new powder blue alternate uniform with "Royals" in blue with white trim, and letters in white with blue trim.

2008: Royals in first place

In 2008, through 13 games, the Royals were 8–5 and in first place in the AL Central. The team finished the season in fourth place in the division with a 75–87 record.

2008: KCSP carried Royals games

Since 2008, KCSP, 610 AM had been carrying Royals games.

2009: Greinke wins Cy Young Award

In 2009, the Royals ended April at the top of the AL Central. Starter Zack Greinke won the American League Cy Young Award.

2010: Yost takes over

In 2010, after the team's record fell to 12–23, manager Trey Hillman was fired. Ned Yost took over as manager. At the end of the 2010 season, the Royals finished with a 67–95 record, in last place in the division for the sixth time in seven years.

2010: Brief pairing of powder blue uniform with powder blue cap

In 2010, the powder blue uniform was briefly paired with a powder blue cap with blue brim.

2011: Hosmer wins AL Rookie of the Month

In 2011, the Royals began with a hot start, compiling 10–4 record after 14 games, but success faded as the season progressed. Hosmer won the AL Rookie of the Month award in July and September and finished the season with 19 home runs.

July 10, 2012: MLB All-Star Game

On July 10, 2012, the Royals hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium, which the National League won 8–0. This was the third time the "Midsummer Classic" was held in Kansas City.

December 10, 2012: Trade with Rays

On December 10, 2012, the Royals traded for Rays pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis, giving Tampa top prospects Wil Myers, Jake Odorizzi, Mike Montgomery, and Patrick Leonard in return.

2012: Jeff Montgomery joins Ryan Lefebvre

For the 2012 season, Jeff Montgomery joined Ryan Lefebvre for about 20 games, while Rex Hudler and Steve Physioc covered the rest of the broadcasts.

2012: Losing Season

From 1995 to 2012, the Kansas City Royals had only one winning season, which was in 2003.

2012: Nine consecutive losing records

From the 2004 season through the 2012 season, the Royals posted nine consecutive losing records, the longest streak in team history.

2012: Adjustment in size of "Kansas City" script; Reversal of lettering scheme

Prior to the 2012 season, there was a slight adjustment in the size of the "Kansas City" script on the road uniforms. Also, starting in 2012, the color lettering scheme in front of the powder blue alternate was reversed.

2012: Slight improvement

The 2012 team improved by one game to 72–90, and finished one spot better in the division.

2013: Postseason Drought

From 1986 to 2013, the Kansas City Royals did not qualify for the MLB postseason.

2013: Lou Pinella's comment on rivalry between the Royals and the Yankees

In a 2013 article, Lou Pinella commented on the rivalry between the Royals and the Yankees. He said there was no love lost between the teams and they were the Royals' big rivals.

2013: First winning season

On September 22, 2013, the Royals won their 82nd game of the season to clinch the franchise's first winning season since 2003. The Royals finished the season 86–76 and in third place in the AL Central, securing the team's best winning percentage since 1994.

July 21, 2014: Losing record

On July 21, 2014, the Royals had a losing record (48–50) and were eight games behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central standings.

October 11, 2014: Royals defeat Orioles 8-6 in ALCS Game 1

On October 11, 2014, the Royals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 8-6 in the opening game of the ALCS, with two home runs in the 10th inning. The Royals set a Major League Baseball record by hitting four home runs in extra innings over five postseason games.

October 14, 2014: Royals beat Orioles 2-1, leading ALCS 3-0

On October 14, 2014, the Royals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 at Kauffman Stadium, taking a 3-0 lead in the ALCS. Jeremy Guthrie allowed only one run as the Royals secured the victory.

2014: Powder blue added as trim color

In 2014, powder blue was added as a trim color when the Royals issued a new blue alternate. The "KC" insignia replaced "Royals" and the number in front, while piping was added.

2014: World Series Appearance

In 2014, the Kansas City Royals made a World Series appearance but lost.

2014: Wild Card Berth

In 2014, the Kansas City Royals secured their first wild card berth and advanced to the World Series, where they lost to the San Francisco Giants.

2014: Return to the postseason

The 2014 season featured a return to the postseason for the first time in 29 years, and what would unfold as a historic playoff run from the Wild Card all the way to the 2014 World Series.

2015: Introduction of alternate white uniform after World Series win

After winning the 2015 World Series, the Royals began wearing an alternate white uniform featuring "Royals" in metallic gold with blue trim.

2015: Won World Series Championship

In 2015, the Kansas City Royals won the AL Central division title and defeated the New York Mets in the World Series.

2015: World Series Victory

In 2015, the Kansas City Royals won the World Series.

2016: Royals average an 11.7 rating on primetime TV broadcasts

During the 2016 season, the Royals averaged an 11.7 rating and 105,000 viewers on primetime TV broadcasts.

2017: Update to alternate white uniform

In 2017, the alternate white uniform was updated with the team name in blue with gold trim, and numbers in gold and blue trim. A new blue cap with "KC" in gold was paired with this uniform.

June 3, 2019: Royals Draft Bobby Witt Jr.

On June 3, 2019, the Royals selected Bobby Witt Jr. with the second overall pick in the MLB draft. Witt was considered one of the top prospects in baseball and one of the biggest prospects drafted by Kansas City since Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas.

August 30, 2019: John Sherman Agrees to Purchase Royals

On August 30, 2019, it was announced that John Sherman, a minority owner of the Cleveland Indians, agreed to purchase the Kansas City Royals from David Glass for a reported $1 billion.

October 31, 2019: Royals Hire Mike Matheny as Manager

On October 31, 2019, the Royals announced the hiring of former St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny to replace Ned Yost.

2019: Elimination of black drop shadows

In 2019, the black drop shadows were finally removed from the crown on the "KC" shield logo.

2019: New Ownership

Since 2019, the Kansas City Royals have been owned by majority owner John Sherman.

2020: New four-year deal for KCSP

In 2020, KCSP entered into a new four-year deal to carry Royals games.

November 2022: Royals Plan to Leave Kauffman Stadium

In November 2022, Royals' owner John Sherman announced the team's plan to leave Kauffman Stadium prior to the expiration of their lease at the end of the 2030 MLB season.

2022: Introduction of "City Connect" uniforms

Also in 2022, the Royals wore "City Connect" uniforms in homage to Kansas City's "City of Fountains" moniker, featuring a navy blue top with powder blue accents and a stylized "KC" insignia.

2022: Unveiling of new uniform set

In 2022, the Royals unveiled a new uniform set featuring thicker sleeve stripes on the home uniform, the return of the block "Kansas City" wordmark on the road primary and alternate uniforms, and the removal of royal blue elements on the alternate home powder blue uniform.

June 2023: Stadium Site Considerations

In June 2023, the Royals announced that the East Village neighborhood and North Kansas City were the final sites under consideration for the stadium district.

2023: Powder blue alternate uniform worn with powder blue pants

Beginning in 2023, the Royals' powder blue alternate uniform would be worn with powder blue pants for select games, a combination not worn since 1991.

2023: Team Value

Entering the 2023 season, the Kansas City Royals team is valued at US$1.2 billion.

2023: Cardinals lead I-70 Series 75-49

Through the 2023 season, the Cardinals held the series advantage 75-49.

February 2024: Crossroads District Chosen for New Stadium

In February 2024, the Crossroads district emerged as the final site chosen by the Kansas City Royals for their new stadium.

April 2024: Jackson County Voters Reject Stadium Funding

In April 2024, Jackson County voters rejected a ballot initiative to help fund the Royals' new stadium project.

September 27, 2024: Royals Clinch Playoff Berth

On September 27, 2024, the Kansas City Royals clinched their first playoff berth since 2015, becoming only the second team ever to go from over 100 losses in the prior season to making the playoffs.

November 2024: Royals Examine Stadium Sites in Johnson County

In November 2024, reports indicated that the Royals were examining "two or three" potential stadium sites in Johnson County, Kansas.

2024: Royals flagship radio stations

As of 2024, the Royals flagship radio stations are KFNZ-FM (96.5) and KFNZ (610 AM).

2024: Yankees win ALDS against Royals

In 2024, the New York Yankees won the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Kansas City Royals in four games.

2024: Statistics current through 2024 season

The Royals statistics are current through the 2024 season.

2025: Win-loss record

From 1969 to 2025, the Kansas City Royals have an all time win–loss record of 4,290–4,703–2 (.477).

2025: Full powder blue uniform to be worn every Saturday home game

In 2025, the Royals' full powder blue uniform would be worn every Saturday home game, and would be paired with their batting practice cap featuring the classic "KCR" crown logo.

2026: Unveiling of second City Connect uniform

In 2026, the Royals unveiled a second City Connect uniform, keeping the "City of Fountains" theme but in a white base with fuschia and blue gradient accents.