How George Brett and Kansas City Climbed the Mountain
For those who came of age as baseball fans in the late 1970s, the Kansas City Royals were a constant presence in October. Before divisional realignment, they ruled the AL West — a model of consistency and class.
From Contenders to Heartbreak Kings
Between 1976 and 1978, the Royals battled the New York Yankees in three unforgettable ALCS matchups — and lost each time in crushing fashion. But beneath those heartbreaking defeats was a team that won admiration for their grit and tenacity.
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The Long Road Back
Kansas City’s persistence paid off in 1980, when they finally broke through in the Bronx and reached the World Series — only to fall short against Philadelphia. A few lean seasons followed, but by 1984, the Royals were back in the mix.
1985: The Year the Crown Was Won
That autumn, everything came together. Kansas City outlasted the California Angels in a tense division race, then pulled off two straight comebacks from 3–1 postseason deficits — first against the Toronto Blue Jays, then the St. Louis Cardinals — to capture the franchise’s first championship.
The Stars Who Defined a Decade
Dennis Leonard’s durability. Larry Gura’s craft. Dan Quisenberry’s submariner magic. Amos Otis’s speed. Frank White’s steadiness. Hal McRae’s fire. And above all, George Brett — one of baseball’s greatest hitters and the soul of the Royals from 1976’s breakthrough to 1985’s triumph.
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