While Los Angeles basks in the Dodgers’ recent World Series victory, Kansas City is celebrating something closer to home. It was not a championship run, but the Royals posted a winning record for the first time in years, marking a promising turning point for fans who have stood by through years of adversity.
With a strong 86-76 finish in the 2024 season, the Royals secured their first playoff appearance and winning record since their 2015 World Series triumph.
The team faced the New York Yankees in the first round of the American League Division Series playoffs. In the opening game, the Royals lost a nail-biter, 5-6, but they rallied in game two, securing a 4-2 victory. Their momentum slipped away as Kansas City lost the next two contests, 2-3 and 1-3. The series concluded with a 1-3 outcome, marking the end of the Royals’ playoff push but leaving fans with renewed hope for the future.
The Royals’ commitment to developing younger players paid off, with the season’s success driven by emerging talents like Bobby Witt Jr. and M.J. Melendez.
Witt played a pivotal role in the team’s offense, posting a .332 batting average and leading the team with 32 home runs. Additionally, he topped all American League shortstops with +16 Outs Above Average, earning his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award and an appearance in his first All-Star Game.
Melendez also contributed significantly, recording a .206 batting average with 17 home runs. His versatility was evident as he skillfully split time between the outfield and catcher positions, adding depth and consistency to the lineup.
Alongside these rising stars, seasoned players like catcher Salvador Perez provided strong leadership and reliable performance. In his thirteenth season with the Royals, Perez was selected for the All-Star Game, posting a 0.271 batting average and hitting 27 home runs. Perez was also honored with the Roberto Clemente Award, one of MLB’s most prestigious recognitions, becoming the first Royal to receive the accolade. This recognition is awarded to players who demonstrate exceptional character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions on and off the field.
In 2023, the Royals closed out their season as one of the worst teams in baseball with a 56-106 record. Their dramatic turnaround from the bottom of the standings to playoff contention in just one year has sparked a wave of optimism among fans. For students at Rockhurst University, many of who grew up with memories of the 2015 World Series win, the 2024 playoff run was especially exciting.
“Seeing the Royals in the playoffs again brought back so many exciting memories,” said senior Patti Erhnman. “It feels good to have something to celebrate.”
The Royal’s resilience and determination also serve as a reminder to all Rockhurst sports teams that hard work, dedication and perseverance pay off.
“Being able to watch the Royals make the playoffs again really inspired and motivated me as a player,” said sophomore baseball player Zach Boland.
“It reminds us that no matter how tough of a season we are having, that hard work and determination can pay off,” added sophomore baseball player Brendan Rodis.
The Royals’ turnaround was a hot topic around campus, with the playoff push allowing students to bond and rally around the team. Whether it was at local bars, house watch parties or even attending the games in person, the Royals generated buzz at Rockhurst.
“It has been so fun to see everyone come together for games,” said sophomore Quinn Conroy. “We’ve had big watch parties on campus, and it feels like the whole school is supporting the Royals.”
Now that the Royals season has come to an end, Rockhurst students and fans are left with a renewed sense of pride in their local team. Their progress has brought a surge of excitement as fans anticipate seeing how the team continues to improve and build on this season’s success in the years ahead.
