Kansas City had been left without a baseball team for two years after the Athletics jumped to Oakland in 1967. So it was a time of spring renewal as the city had a team to root for again.

The Royals took their name from the world famous American Royal livestock show and barbecue competition, held annually in K.C. It was also the name of two Negro League teams the Royals played in the old Municipal Stadium, until their stadium was ready. In 1973 the name was changed to Kauffman stadium, in honor of founder Ewing Kauffman.

The Royals would go on to do Missouri proud, playing in four World Series and winning in 1985 and 2015.

Based upon content from the book Missouri 365: This Day in Missouri History by John W. Brown, broadcaster and Missouri historian. Get your copy at Reedy Press.

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