The Kansas City Royals are one of Major League Baseball’s most interesting expansion franchises. Born from Kansas City’s desire to regain Major League Baseball after the Athletics moved to Oakland, the Royals quickly developed into one of the American League’s strongest organizations. Since their first season in 1969, the Royals have produced Hall of Famers, MVPs, Rookie of the Year winners, Cy Young Award winners, great defensive players and two World Series championship teams. The franchise has also experienced dramatic highs and lows—from the George Brett-led teams of the 1970s and 1980s to the championship clubs of 1985 and 2015, followed by rebuilding periods and the current John Sherman ownership era. The Birth of the Kansas City Royals Kansas City lost the Athletics after the 1967 season when the club moved to Oakland. Major League Baseball responded by awarding Kansas City an expansion franchise that would begin play in 1969. Pharmaceutical entrepreneur Ewing M. Kauffman was awarded the franchise in January 1968. The new club was named the Kansas City Royals. The Royals played their first game on April 8, 1969, at Municipal Stadium against the Minnesota Twins. Kansas City won that historic game 4–3 in extra innings. The inaugural Royals finished 69–93, which was the best record among the four expansion teams that debuted in 1969. Outfielder Lou Piniella became the franchise’s first Rookie of the Year winner. Royals Ownership History Ewing Kauffman — 1968–1993 Ewing Kauffman was the founder and original owner of the Kansas City Royals. Kauffman wanted Kansas City to have a successful Major League franchise and was willing to invest heavily in player development. His ownership produced the greatest period of sustained success in the franchise’s early history. Under Kauffman, the Royals won: Six American League West Division titles Two American League pennants The 1985 World Series Kauffman died in 1993. Shortly before his death, Royals Stadium was renamed Kauffman Stadium in his honor. He was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 1993. Kauffman Estate / Local Ownership Group — 1993–2000 After Kauffman’s death, the franchise was placed under a succession arrangement involving a group headed by longtime Kauffman associate David Glass. The arrangement was intended to keep the team in Kansas City and ultimately direct proceeds from a sale to charity. David Glass — 2000–2019 David Glass, the former Walmart executive, purchased the Royals outright in 2000 for approximately $96 million. Glass had served as the managing partner following Kauffman’s death. His ownership lasted nearly two decades. The Glass years included some difficult seasons, but the organization eventually developed the young core that would lead Kansas City back to the World Series in 2014 and win the championship in 2015. John Sherman — 2019–Present Kansas City businessman John Sherman and his investment group purchased the Royals from the Glass family. The transaction was completed on November 25, 2019. Sherman became chairman and CEO of the organization. The Sherman ownership group includes numerous Kansas City-area investors and prominent individuals. Royals Home Ballparks The Royals have played their home games in only two physical stadiums, although one of those stadiums has had two names. 1. Municipal Stadium 1969–1972 Location: 22nd Street and Brooklyn Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri The old Municipal Stadium was the Royals’ original home. It had previously been home to the Kansas City Athletics and the Negro Leagues’ Kansas City Monarchs. The Royals played their first four seasons there. 2. Royals Stadium 1973–1993 The Royals moved into their new home in 1973. The stadium was designed as part of Kansas City’s Harry S. Truman Sports Complex and quickly became famous for its fountains and distinctive scoreboard. The Royals hosted the 1973 All-Star Game in their new stadium. 3. Kauffman Stadium 1993–Present Originally called Royals Stadium, the facility was renamed Kauffman Stadium in 1993 in honor of Ewing Kauffman. The stadium remains one of Major League Baseball’s most recognizable parks. It has hosted: Regular-season Royals games Multiple playoff series The 1973 All-Star Game The 2012 All-Star Game Four World Series The 1980 World Series The 1985 World Series The 2014 World Series The 2015 World Series The Royals’ official history lists Municipal Stadium as the home from 1969–72 and Kauffman Stadium, originally Royals Stadium, from 1973 to the present. The Great Royals of the 1970s The 1970s established the Royals as a legitimate American League power. Players such as: George Brett, Frank White, Amos Otis, John Mayberry, Hal McRae, Paul Splittorff, Dennis Leonard, Steve Busby, Willie Wilson formed the foundation of the organization. In 1976 Kansas City won its first American League West championship. The Royals then met the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series. Kansas City lost the ALCS to New York in 1976, 1977 and 1978, creating one of baseball’s great postseason rivalries. The Royals finally broke through against the Yankees in the 1980 ALCS. George Brett’s dramatic home run against Goose Gossage helped send Kansas City to its first World Series. The 1980 World Series The Royals reached the World Series for the first time in 1980. Kansas City faced the Philadelphia Phillies. The Royals lost the Series 4 games to 2. George Brett had one of the greatest offensive seasons in baseball history in 1980, hitting .390 and winning the American League MVP Award. The 1985 World Series Championship The 1985 Royals produced the greatest comeback in franchise history. Kansas City defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. 1985 World Series Kansas City Royals 4 St. Louis Cardinals 3 The Royals fell behind 3–1 in the Series but won the final three games. Bret Saberhagen dominated Game 7, pitching a five-hit shutout as Kansas City won 11–0. It was the first World Series championship in Royals history. 1985 World Series MVP Bret Saberhagen The 2014 World Series Nearly three decades after their first championship, Kansas City returned to the World Series. The Royals faced the San Francisco Giants. The Series went seven games. 2014 World Series San Francisco Giants 4 Kansas City Royals 3 Kansas… Continue reading Kansas City Royals: A Complete History
Tag: Whitey Herzog
The Complete History of the MLB Athletics: From Philadelphia to Sacramento and Las Vegas
The Athletics are one of the oldest and most traveled franchises in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1901 as a charter member of the American League, the franchise has called Philadelphia, Kansas City, Oakland and West Sacramento home. Along the way, the A’s have won nine World Series championships, produced legendary players and managers, and become one of baseball’s most recognizable franchises. The franchise was known as the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901-1954, the Kansas City Athletics from 1955-1967, and the Oakland Athletics from 1968-2024. Beginning in 2025, the club began its temporary stay at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, with a planned move to a new Las Vegas ballpark in 2028. The Beginning: The Philadelphia Athletics The Athletics began play in Philadelphia in 1901. Connie Mack was brought in to run the baseball operation, while sporting-goods businessman Benjamin F. Shibe became the club’s principal early owner. The original ownership group included Benjamin Shibe, Connie Mack, Tom Shibe, John Shibe, Sam Jones and Frank Hough. Mack gradually acquired additional ownership and eventually became the dominant figure in the organization. The Philadelphia Athletics quickly became one of the American League’s premier clubs. They won American League pennants in 1902, 1905, 1910, 1911, 1913, 1914, 1929, 1930 and 1931. Five of those pennant-winning teams captured the World Series. Athletics Home Parks Columbia Park — Philadelphia 1901-1908 The first home of the Athletics was Columbia Park in North Philadelphia. The park opened in 1901 and originally held about 9,500 fans. Capacity was later increased to approximately 13,600. Shibe Park — Philadelphia 1909-1954 The Athletics moved into Shibe Park in 1909. It was one of baseball’s first major concrete-and-steel stadiums. The park was named for owner Benjamin Shibe. In 1953 it was officially renamed Connie Mack Stadium in honor of the legendary manager. The Athletics played there until leaving Philadelphia after the 1954 season. Municipal Stadium — Kansas City 1955-1967 After the franchise was sold and moved to Kansas City, the Athletics played at Municipal Stadium. The stadium had previously been associated with the Kansas City Blues and Kansas City Monarchs. The facility was extensively rebuilt before the Athletics began play there in 1955. Oakland Coliseum — Oakland 1968-2024 The Athletics moved to Oakland in 1968 and played their first game at the Coliseum on April 17, 1968. The Coliseum became the longest-running home in Athletics history and witnessed four World Series championships, the 20-game winning streak of 2002, The Bash Brothers era, the Moneyball era and many other memorable moments. The final Athletics game in Oakland was played in September 2024. Sutter Health Park — West Sacramento 2025-2027 The Athletics moved temporarily to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento beginning with the 2025 season. The agreement calls for the Athletics to play there through 2027, with an option for 2028 if the planned Las Vegas stadium is not ready. Las Vegas — Planned Future Home The Athletics are planning to move to a new ballpark in Las Vegas for the 2028 season. The Las Vegas facility is intended to become the franchise’s permanent home after the temporary Sacramento period. Athletics Ownership Through the Years The ownership history of the Athletics is almost as interesting as the playing history. Philadelphia Athletics 1901-1921 — Benjamin F. Shibe and Connie Mack, with other original minority owners including Tom Shibe, John Shibe, Sam Jones and Frank Hough. 1922-1936 — Tom Shibe, John Shibe and Connie Mack 1936-1937 — John Shibe and Connie Mack 1937-1950 — Connie Mack and the Mack/Shibe ownership interests 1950-1954 — Connie Mack, Roy Mack and Earle Mack The Mack family ultimately controlled the club before selling it after the 1954 season. Kansas City Athletics 1954-1960 — Arnold Johnson Arnold Johnson purchased the Philadelphia Athletics and moved the franchise to Kansas City. 1960-1980 — Charles O. “Charlie” Finley Finley became one of the most colorful owners in baseball history. He purchased controlling interest in 1960 and eventually acquired the remaining ownership interests. Finley moved the team to Oakland in 1968 and was the owner when the Athletics won three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 through 1974. Oakland Athletics 1980-1995 — Walter A. Haas Jr. Haas purchased the Athletics from Finley following the 1980 season. During his ownership, Oakland won three consecutive American League pennants from 1988-1990 and the 1989 World Series. 1995-2005 — Stephen Schott and Ken Hofmann Schott and Hofmann purchased the Athletics in 1995. The team reached the postseason four consecutive years from 2000-2003. 2005-2016 — Lewis Wolff and John Fisher Wolff, Fisher and a limited partnership group purchased the Athletics in 2005. 2016-present — John Fisher Fisher became managing partner in 2016 after Wolff stepped down from the position. Fisher remains the Athletics’ owner and managing partner. The Athletics’ Nine World Series Championships The Athletics have won nine World Series championships, with titles spread across three different cities. Year Opponent Result Athletics Series Record 1910 Chicago Cubs Won 4-1 1911 New York Giants Won 4-2 1913 New York Giants Won 4-1 1929 Chicago Cubs Won 4-1 1930 St. Louis Cardinals Won 4-2 1972 Cincinnati Reds Won 4-3 1973 New York Mets Won 4-3 1974 Los Angeles Dodgers Won 4-1 1989 San Francisco Giants Won 4-0 That gives the Athletics an all-time World Series record of 36 wins and 18 losses in their nine championship series. The nine championships occurred in 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929, 1930, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1989. The Philadelphia Dynasties The first Athletics dynasty was built around stars such as Eddie Collins, Home Run Baker, Chief Bender and Eddie Plank. The 1910, 1911 and 1913 Athletics won three World Series championships in four years. The second Philadelphia dynasty came in the late 1920s and early 1930s. That team featured: Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Cochrane. Lefty Grove, Al Simmons, Eddie Collins Connie Mack Philadelphia won the World Series in 1929 and 1930 and reached the World Series again in 1931. The Oakland Dynasty The greatest modern Athletics dynasty came during the early 1970s. Oakland won… Continue reading The Complete History of the MLB Athletics: From Philadelphia to Sacramento and Las Vegas
Detroit Tigers History: Baseball’s MotorCity Team
The Detroit Tigers are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most historic franchises. The Tigers were one of the original American League franchises when the league became a major league in 1901. Over more than a century, Detroit has produced some of baseball’s greatest players, including Ty Cobb, Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer, Al Kaline, Hal Newhouser, Alan Trammell and Jack Morris. The Tigers have won four World Series championships, in 1935, 1945, 1968 and 1984, and have won 11 American League pennants. The Beginning of the Detroit Tigers Professional baseball in Detroit actually predates the modern Tigers. Detroit had professional clubs in the 19th century, including the Detroit Wolverines, who won the National League championship and World Series in 1887. The franchise that became the modern Detroit Tigers traces its immediate roots to the Western League’s Detroit club. When the American League declared itself a major league in 1901, Detroit became one of its charter franchises. The Tigers have remained in Detroit ever since. That makes Detroit one of the rare MLB cities where a franchise has spent its entire American League existence in the same city. Detroit Tigers Ownership History The Tigers have had a relatively small number of ownership groups compared with many other major-league franchises. According to the Tigers’ official ownership history, the ownership sequence is: Years Owner 1901 James D. Burns 1902–1903 Samuel F. Angus 1904–1907 William H. Yawkey 1908–1935 Frank J. Navin 1935–1952 Walter O. Briggs Sr. 1952–1956 Walter O. Briggs Jr. 1956–1960 Fred Knorr & John Fetzer 1960–1983 John Fetzer 1983–1992 Tom Monaghan 1992–2017 Michael Ilitch 2017–present Christopher Ilitch The early years included several ownership changes. In 1902 the club switched from James Burns and George Stallings to a stock company headed by Samuel F. Angus. The Navin Years Frank Navin became one of the most important early owners. He purchased control in 1908 and remained involved until his death in 1935. The Tigers reached three consecutive World Series during the early Navin years, from 1907 through 1909, although they lost all three to the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates. Walter Briggs Walter O. Briggs Sr. took control in 1935, the same year Detroit won its first World Series. The Briggs family owned the Tigers through the great teams of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. John Fetzer John Fetzer became the dominant owner in 1960. Under Fetzer, the Tigers won the spectacular 1968 World Series, one of the most memorable championships in franchise history. Tom Monaghan The founder of Domino’s Pizza, Tom Monaghan, purchased the Tigers in 1983. One year later, the Tigers won the 1984 World Series. Mike Ilitch Mike Ilitch, founder of Little Caesars Pizza, purchased the Tigers in 1992. Ilitch remained owner until his death in 2017. His ownership eventually produced the powerful Tigers teams of the 2000s and early 2010s, including the 2006 and 2012 American League pennants. Christopher Ilitch Christopher Ilitch became owner in 2017 and remains chairman and CEO of the Tigers. Every Tigers Home Ballpark The Tigers have had a fascinating ballpark history. Recreation Park 1894–1895 Recreation Park was home to the Detroit club that preceded the modern American League Tigers. It is therefore part of Detroit’s professional baseball history but predates the 1901 Tigers. Bennett Park 1896–1911 Bennett Park was the Tigers’ principal home during their first decade as an American League franchise. The park was located in Detroit and became the scene of some of the earliest great Tigers teams. Burns Park 1901–1902 For a short period, the Tigers also used Burns Park. Other Temporary Parks in 1903 During 1903, the Tigers played games at several temporary locations, including: Ramona Park — Grand Rapids, Michigan Armory Park — Toledo, Ohio Neil Park II — Columbus, Ohio These were unusual temporary arrangements and are sometimes overlooked in lists of Tigers ballparks. Navin Field 1912–1934 The Tigers moved into a new ballpark in 1912. It was originally known as Navin Field, named for owner Frank Navin. This became the home of Ty Cobb’s final Tigers seasons and the great Tigers teams of the 1930s. Briggs Stadium 1935–1960 After Walter Briggs gained control of the team, the stadium was renamed Briggs Stadium. The Tigers won their first two World Series championships while playing there: 1935 1945 Tiger Stadium 1961–1999 The ballpark became known as Tiger Stadium in 1961. For generations of Detroit fans, Tiger Stadium was simply “The Corner.” It was home to: Al Kaline, Willie Horton, Denny McLain, Mickey Lolich, Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Jack Morris The Tigers won the 1968 and 1984 World Series at Tiger Stadium. Comerica Park 2000–present The Tigers moved downtown to Comerica Park in 2000. The new stadium gave Detroit a modern baseball facility while maintaining strong connections to Tigers history. Detroit Tigers Hall of Famers The Tigers’ Hall of Fame history is enormous. The Tigers’ official list includes players who played for Detroit as well as Hall of Fame managers who managed the club. Below are the Hall of Famers associated with Detroit, with their birthplace or hometown. Hall of Famer Position/Role Tigers Years Hometown/Birthplace Ty Cobb OF/Manager 1905–1926 Royston, Georgia Hughie Jennings Manager/Player 1907–1920 Pittston, Pennsylvania Sam Crawford OF 1903–1917 Wahoo, Nebraska Harry Heilmann OF/1B 1914–1930 San Francisco, California Heinie Manush OF 1923–1927 Tuscumbia, Alabama Charlie Gehringer 2B 1924–1942 Fowlerville, Michigan Mickey Cochrane C/Manager 1934–1938 Bridgewater, Massachusetts Hank Greenberg 1B 1930–1946 New York, New York Goose Goslin OF 1934–1937 Salem, New Jersey Earl Averill OF 1939–1940 Snohomish, Washington Hal Newhouser P 1939–1953 Detroit, Michigan George Kell 3B 1946–1952 Swifton, Arkansas Al Kaline OF 1953–1974 Baltimore, Maryland Jim Bunning P 1955–1963 Southgate, Kentucky Larry Doby OF 1959 Camden, South Carolina Eddie Mathews 3B 1967–1968 Texarkana, Texas Jack Morris P 1977–1990 St. Paul, Minnesota Alan Trammell SS 1977–1996 Garden Grove, California Iván Rodríguez C 2004–2008 Manatí, Puerto Rico Sparky Anderson Manager 1979–1995 Bridgewater, South Dakota Jim Leyland Manager 2006–2013 Toledo, Ohio Bucky Harris Manager/Player 1929–1933, 1955–1956 Port Jervis, Illinois Waite Hoyt P 1930–1931 Brooklyn, New York Al Simmons OF 1936… Continue reading Detroit Tigers History: Baseball’s MotorCity Team
St. Louis Cardinals: A Complete History
St. Louis Cardinals: A Complete History of One of Baseball’s Greatest Franchises Few franchises in professional sports can match the history of the St. Louis Cardinals. The organization traces its professional roots to 1882, joined the National League in 1892, adopted the Cardinals name in 1900, and has built one of baseball’s most successful traditions. The Cardinals have won 11 World Series championships, 19 National League pennants and more than 10,000 regular-season games. Through 2026, the franchise has made 32 postseason appearances. The organization also has an extraordinary connection to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, with 56 former players, managers and executives having Cardinals ties recognized in Cooperstown. The story of the Cardinals is much more than a list of championships. It includes innovative owners, legendary players, unusual ballparks, dramatic trades, devastating trades, great managers and some of the most memorable moments in World Series history. The Beginning: From Brown Stockings to Cardinals The professional history of the franchise begins in 1882, when the St. Louis Brown Stockings became one of the original members of the American Association. The club was originally associated with Chris von der Ahe, a German-born businessman who became one of the most colorful owners in early professional baseball. The franchise went through several names: St. Louis Brown Stockings — 1882 St. Louis Browns — 1883-1898 St. Louis Perfectos — 1899 St. Louis Cardinals — 1900-present The nickname “Cardinals” developed in the late 1890s. The club was wearing red-trimmed uniforms when a woman reportedly described the shade of red as “cardinal.” Sportswriter Willie McHale picked up the description, and it eventually became the team’s official identity. The club joined the National League in 1892, beginning the continuous National League history that continues today. The Owners Who Shaped the Cardinals Chris von der Ahe, 1881-1898 Chris von der Ahe was the first major owner in the franchise’s history. He helped make St. Louis baseball a significant attraction and was also responsible for developing Sportsman’s Park. Von der Ahe was an unusual character by modern standards. He was an immigrant businessman who became wealthy through the beer business and viewed baseball as part of a larger entertainment operation. His ownership era established professional baseball in St. Louis. Frank and Stanley Robison, 1898-1911 The Robison brothers acquired the club near the end of the 19th century. They changed the club’s nickname from Browns to Perfectos for the 1899 season. The experiment lasted only one year. In 1900, the club officially became the St. Louis Cardinals. Helene Hathaway Britton, 1911-1917 After Frank Robison died, ownership passed to his daughter, Helene Hathaway Britton. She became one of the earliest women to own a major professional baseball club. The team struggled during much of this period, however, and Britton eventually sold her interest. Sam Breadon and Branch Rickey The most important ownership period in early Cardinals history began with Sam Breadon. Breadon became majority owner in 1920 and teamed with Branch Rickey, one of the most important executives in baseball history. This partnership changed the Cardinals forever. Rickey developed the Cardinals’ farm system, while Breadon provided the financial backing. The Cardinals began developing their own players rather than depending primarily on buying established stars. The result was extraordinary. From 1920 through 1947, the Cardinals won nine National League pennants and six World Series championships. The Cardinals’ farm system became the model that eventually transformed professional baseball. Fred Saigh and Robert Hannegan, 1947-1949 After Breadon sold the club, ownership passed briefly to Robert Hannegan and Fred Saigh. Hannegan’s ownership was short-lived. Saigh eventually became the controlling owner. Fred Saigh, 1949-1953 Saigh ran into serious legal and financial problems and eventually was forced to sell the Cardinals. That opened the door for the most influential corporate ownership period in Cardinals history. Anheuser-Busch and August A. “Gussie” Busch Jr., 1953-1989 August A. Busch Jr., president of Anheuser-Busch, purchased the Cardinals in 1953. The brewery’s ownership lasted more than four decades. During this period the Cardinals won World Series championships in: 1964 1967 1982 They also won National League pennants in 1968, 1985 and 1987. August A. Busch III, 1989-1996 Busch III continued the family’s ownership after his father. In 1995, Anheuser-Busch announced that the Cardinals would be sold. William O. DeWitt Jr., 1996-present The current ownership group, led by Bill DeWitt Jr., purchased the Cardinals from Anheuser-Busch. Since the DeWitt group took control, the Cardinals have won World Series championships in 2006 and 2011 and have remained one of the National League’s most successful organizations. Every Home Ballpark Used by the Cardinals The Cardinals have played in several different parks during their long history. Sportsman’s Park — 1880-1891 The original Sportsman’s Park was one of the early homes of the franchise. Chris von der Ahe expanded Grand Avenue Park and renamed it Sportsman’s Park. The park opened in its expanded form in 1881. Union Park — 1892-1897 When the franchise entered the National League, it moved to Union Park. League Park — 1898 The club played one season at League Park. Robison Field — 1899-1920 The club moved into a new facility at Natural Bridge and Vandeventer. It eventually became known as Robison Field, honoring the Robison brothers. The Cardinals remained there until 1920. Sportsman’s Park — 1920-1952 In 1920, Branch Rickey and Sam Breadon sold the Cardinals’ ballpark and moved the team into the home of the St. Louis Browns. This was the second major Cardinals era at Sportsman’s Park. The Cardinals won World Series championships there in: 1926 1931 1934 1942 1944 1946 Busch Stadium / Sportsman’s Park — 1953-1966 After Anheuser-Busch purchased the Cardinals, the company also acquired Sportsman’s Park. The facility was renamed Busch Stadium. Busch Memorial Stadium — 1966-2005 The Cardinals moved downtown in 1966. Busch Stadium II became home to the Cardinals for four decades and hosted six World Series: 1967 1968 1982 1985 1987 2004 The Cardinals won championships there in 1967 and 1982. Busch Stadium III — 2006-present The current Busch Stadium opened in 2006.… Continue reading St. Louis Cardinals: A Complete History
