The Royals

[Dr Rick Daris]

Is there a chance I am jinxing the Roy's by going to the game?

I went to the Saturday Detroit loss a couple weeks ago with the Salvy base running error.  That felt horrible.

Prior to that I have a fairly unremarkable streak of roughly 50-50 games.  Win some and lose some.

Last truly notable game for me was the 2004 opener.  We had just flirted with a playoff run.  Carlos hit a walk off to win it and I was CONVINCED we were headed to the playoffs.

2003 was the first year of rstn. i lived withing walking distance to henry t's and spent that whole summer watching 'yals. back then they pretty much had only two commercials. james b nutter and something for a don williams cd when don williams did some africa concerts and he talked about how much fun they had putting the album together and dun, dun, dun dun dun, living on tulsa time. man what a summer.

[_33]

Last truly notable game for me was the 2004 opener.  We had just flirted with a playoff run.  Carlos hit a walk off to win it and I was CONVINCED we were headed to the playoffs.

I was also at that game.  I was so angry because he pinch hit Mendy Lopez in the 9th instead of Matt Stairs and then Mendy hit a 3 run bomb to tie the game.   

Actually at the Wild Card game I told everyone around us that it was fine when we were down 7-3 because I was at 04 opening day when we were down 7-3 and we came back to win. 

[Cartierfor3]

Its just been so fun reconnecting with people during this Royals run. I've had several people I haven't seen or talked to in years call me or text just to say how much they're enjoying this team.

One of my buds posted this on Facebook:

While I’d like to post something poignant regarding the Royals, about how they’ve helped me connect to my 12 yr-old-boys in a real and tangible way, or how they’ve reconnected me to memories of the friendships I’ve had with co–commiserators, some of whom are my best friends and live three houses down, some of whom have passed, and some of whom are just rock solid good people, all I can come up with is this:
LETS GO ROYALS

Also, came across this blog, by a buddy who wrote about his Dad and baseball and how much his Dad, who loved baseball and passed away in '92, would love this team: http://www.aspirekc.com/Blog/2014/10/13/he-loved-baseball/ He ends it with this:

He would absolutely love this Royals team.  The young rising stars, the veteran leaders, their never quit attitude, their passion and energy, the team chemistry, and the fact that so many are home grown through the farm system.  He would love it all.  But mostly, I think he would love the way they have fun playing the game.  Dad, if heaven has a front row seat, I hope you’re in it.  Win or Lose, this is going to be a lot of fun.  Let’s Go Royals!

Reminds me to cherish the nightly post game phone breakdown I have with my own Dad. The best thing about sports is the shared experience of enjoying them with your friends and family. Its been fun sharing this season with you studs right here in this blog. Its just been really, really fun.

[Pete]

Warning:  prolly don't read this post if you aren't old balls


There is something to the notion of "Men of a Certain Age," when it comes to 'Yols.

Our fathers told us how great they were, and we were able to taste a youthful version of it.  We knew the players names, and fought over #5 jerseys as little leaguers.  We bought in as kids in a meaningful way.  How many of us were scolded for trying to play with a toothpick in our mouth like U.L., or throw side arm like Quiz, or pound the non-existent dirt off our shoes before every rough ridin' pitch like George?

But, then we knew nothing but disappointment after that.  Some might say "at least you had a taste."  But, I'd argue that in a way it was almost worse to have a fleeting glimpse of it 29 years ago, to then follow it with the worst kind of failure for so long.  It was like learning the truth about Santa or the Tooth Fairy...something that felt real at the time, but wasn't "reality," and then never being able to share the "fun" with another generation....like we were the only fools who were duped.  90+ losses a year routinely for decades.

We had to callus ourselves.  Terrible owner, unfair economics, etc. 

I don't really know where I am going with this...

I can still name you every starter on the 1985 team, just like I could when I was a kid, and I am proud of the terrible baseball card trades I made to all the older guys in my block just so I could have more Royals in my collection.  My Rodger Clemons rookie for a Buddy B., Daryl Motley, and a Charlie Liebrandt?  You bet.

[j-dub]

 

pete, i've never loved you more than i do right now at this very moment you beautiful bastard you

[kim carnes]

imagine how disgusted i was when i looked up the thursday game time.

[star seed 7]

imagine how disgusted i was when i looked up the thursday game time.

yup, ridiculous

[slobber]

Are we really bitching about game times for the rough ridin' ALCS games?


Gonna win 'em all!

[420seriouscat69]

We won't be playing on Thursday anyways.

[Cartierfor3]

Every year, when there's 2 LCS games on the same day, they do one afternoon, and one evening. Its been this way for a while good grief.

[kim carnes]

Every year, when there's 2 LCS games on the same day, they do one afternoon, and one evening. Its been this way for a while good grief.

yeah, well we have 2 day games in a row which puts a lot of stress of viewer's schedules.

[Cartierfor3]

Every year, when there's 2 LCS games on the same day, they do one afternoon, and one evening. Its been this way for a while good grief.

yeah, well we have 2 day games in a row which puts a lot of stress of viewer's schedules.

Sorry Friend. All the World Series games will be in prime time.

[kim carnes]

if duffy is healthy enough to pitch as a reliever then why can't he start?  do you think we're going to start guthrie, see how it goes, and then put in duffy if needed?  i mean, its not unfathomable that guthrie could give us 6 good innings.  his play has ranged from pretty respectable to pretty darn good all year except for july.

[Pete]

if duffy is healthy enough to pitch as a reliever then why can't he start?  do you think we're going to start guthrie, see how it goes, and then put in duffy if needed?  i mean, its not unfathomable that guthrie could give us 6 good innings.  his play has ranged from pretty respectable to pretty darn good all year except for july.

I also wonder about Duffy.  Surely he must be hurt, right?

[kim carnes]

depending on how you look at it, i think it's smart to have duffy in the bullpen as an insurance policy for guthrie/vargas.  you never know what you're going to get from those guys (or any other starter for that matter).  i mean, we might roll guthrie out there and he might only allow one run in six innings or he might allow four in the first ya know?  just thinking out loud here but i like the flexibility this gives us.

[420seriouscat69]

He's obviously hurt. No matter what Ned says.

[kim carnes]

if duffy is healthy enough to pitch as a reliever then why can't he start?  do you think we're going to start guthrie, see how it goes, and then put in duffy if needed?  i mean, its not unfathomable that guthrie could give us 6 good innings.  his play has ranged from pretty respectable to pretty darn good all year except for july.

I also wonder about Duffy.  Surely he must be hurt, right?

ned said in the post game the other night that duffy would pitch if needed so if he is hurt it is a very mild injury like soreness or something.

[sys]

I just can't fathom why you would pitch Guthrie over Duffy.  I'm sure you guys already talked about this but I just can't fathom it.

I think its the returning from injury concerns

he's broken, can't throw strikes.  either that or they're lying and he's actually hurt.

[slimz]

With the rainout and Pete's post I got nostalgic and pulled out some of my favorites:

[star seed 7]

i have every single one of those cards 

[star seed 7]

except the hologram one

[Stevesie60]

depending on how you look at it, i think it's smart to have duffy in the bullpen as an insurance policy for guthrie/vargas.  you never know what you're going to get from those guys (or any other starter for that matter).  i mean, we might roll guthrie out there and he might only allow one run in six innings or he might allow four in the first ya know?  just thinking out loud here but i like the flexibility this gives us.

kim carnes and Stevesie60, two peas in an incredibly sexy pod.

[kslim]

Today is going to be the longest day ever

[WildcatNkilt]

All I can think about is when to leave the office for Kauffman.  LFG!

[slimz]

i have every single one of those cards