Established in 1969, the Kansas City Royals derived their name from the American Royal, a show with rodeo, horses and livestock that has been held every year in Kansas City since 1899. Kansas City businessman Ewing Kauffman founded the Kansas City Royals in concert to the request by U.S. Senator Stuart Symington who wanted a new team when the Athletics, the previous team relocated to Oakland, California. This other team gives the Kansas City ball team a longer history if you consider both groups. The Kansas City Athletics were the city's representatives from 1890 to 1900, leaving a space of about 69 years where the city did not have a baseball team. Sometimes affectionately known as "The Boys in Blue", the Kansas City Royals have won several major league titles during their time. They took home the World Series title in 1985. That same year, they also received an American League Pennant; a second one to go along with another won previously in 1980. In 1980 and 1985, the Kansas City Royals also received the Western Division title. Previously years of awards of the Western Division title include 1976, 1977 and 1978. One of the greatest rivalries in the history of this team has been with the New York Yankees. The two teams were matched up four times during the period between 1976 and 1980 and they were some of the most legendary playing spectacles for the teams. There was also a division rivalry between the Oakland Athletics and the Kansas City Royals between 1972 and 1974. The rivalry with the Yankees all but pushed the latter rivalry out of existence since the rivalry between the Royals and the Athletics stemmed, in part, from the less than honorable manner in which the Athletics moved to Oakland. The most prominent rivalry for the Kansas City Royals has been with the St. Louis Cardinals. This intrastate rivalry began in 1985 when the Royals beat the Cardinals for the World Series title. A controversial call in the ninth inning of Game 6 when Jorge Orta was given a safe pass. Later it was discovered in the replays that Orta was out. However, with a tie due to a Royals rally, the Royals not only won the game but also took home the series victory over the Cardinals. Kansas City Royals Hall of Famers includes George Brett, Orlando Cepeda, Whitey Herzog, Harmon Killebrew, Gaylord Perry, Joe Gordon and Bob Lemon. Brett and Perry are also members of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for their roles as third basement and starting pitcher respectively. Although the Royals landed in last place for the 2009 season, there are many memorable moments that the team has to reflect upon and build an exciting future. All current home games for the Kansas City Royals are played at the Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium located at One Royal Way in Kansas City, Missouri. Opening in April, 1973 and formerly known as Royals Stadium from 1973 to 1993, "The K" has a surface mix of bluegrass and rye since 1995. Prior to the mix, AstroTurf was the surface. Built specifically for baseball, Kauffman Stadium has a capacity for 39,000 and features the Buck O'Neil legacy seat; a red seat in the sea of blue seats that was placed to honor O'Neil. With a voter-approved tax increase in 2006, some renovations were made to Kauffman, which was otherwise regarded as one of the cookie-cutter stadiums because it lacked multipurpose facilities and options. With a reduction in seating capacity, many great features have been added and provide players and fans with an enjoyable venue for every home baseball game.
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