The Kansas City Royals: Not Originally Named After Baseball Kings (Unless You Count Burgers)
Ah, the Kansas City Royals. Home of the iconic fountains, the spicy (and delicious) burnt ends, and of course, a baseball team steeped in tradition. But did you ever wonder, before they were the Royals, what other names they almost... well, never really were? Buckle up, baseball fans (and those who just enjoy a good chuckle), because this origin story is as unexpected as a triple play in the bottom of the ninth.
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| What Was The Original Name Of The Kansas City Royals |
From A's to, Well, Not Exactly AAA
Let's rewind to the late 60s. Kansas City had just gotten dumped by their previous team, the Athletics (who decided to take their talents, or at least their bats, to Oakland). The city was heartbroken. No more hot dogs and Cracker Jacks under the Friday night lights. Baseball was gone! But fear not, loyal fans, for Major League Baseball, in a move that some might say was inspired by a large box of sympathy chocolates, decided to grant Kansas City an expansion team. Huzzah!
The Name Game: A Royal Rumble (of Suggestions)
Now came the fun part: picking a name! Team owner Ewing Kauffman, a man clearly not afraid of a good contest, held a name-the-team competition. Thousands of entries flooded in, with suggestions ranging from the predictable (the Kansas City Sluggers) to the slightly terrifying (the Kansas City Cowpokes – let's be honest, that mascot wouldn't exactly inspire fear in the hearts of opposing batters).
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
Enter Sanford Porte, a local hero (and trivia champion in the making). His suggestion? The Kansas City Royals. Now, you might be thinking, "Royals? That sounds awfully regal. Did they have a thing for crowns and scepters back then in Kansas City?" Well, not quite.
The Real Royal Deal: It's All About the Cows (and the Pageantry)
Here's the kicker: The "Royals" name wasn't a tribute to some long-lost royal family (although, with all that barbecue, maybe they should have considered it). Nope, it was a homage to Kansas City's booming livestock industry! Sanford Porte, in his infinite wisdom, pointed out that the city was known for its "billion-dollar livestock income" and the prestigious American Royal – an annual event celebrating all things agricultural (including a parade, which explains the crown in the logo... kind of).
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
So there you have it, folks. The Kansas City Royals: a team named not after kings and queens, but after cows and competitions. Who knew barnyard royalty could be so darn good at baseball?
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FAQs: You Ask, We Answer (Royally)
1. How to impress a die-hard Kansas City Royals fan? Easy! Learn the story behind the name and casually drop it into conversation. Bonus points for mentioning burnt ends.
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
2. How to celebrate a Kansas City Royals win? Head to a local barbecue joint and raise a glass (or plastic cup) of sweet tea to the champions (and maybe order a celebratory burnt ends sandwich).
3. How to get to Kauffman Stadium for a Royals game? Public transportation, ride-sharing, or your trusty steed (parking can be a beast, so plan accordingly).
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
4. How to dress for a Royals game? Team colors (blue and white) are always a win, but anything that shows your Royals pride is fair game.
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