Kansas City Royals

Though the Kansas City Royals haven't won it all in the last 20 years, you still won't have to look hard for rabid baseball fans in the Kansas City area. After all, the last time they did win the World Series, it was against their in-state rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals. While they may not be as famous as the Yankees, the Royals have enjoyed a rich history of nearly 40 years in the Major League.

Founded as an expansion franchise in 1968 by Ewing Kauffman, the Royals began play in the American League the following year. The Royals filled the gap left by the departing Athletics, who moved to Oakland, California after the '67 season. Though only one year passed without baseball in the heartland, for diehard fans it must have felt like an eternity!

The Upstart Royals

From the very beginning of the franchise, the Royals turned heads in the league and in 1969 featured the American League rookie of the year, Lou Piniella. By 1971, the Royals had managed to pull off their first winning season as a franchise and a mere five years later they were the American League West champions! By 1973, the new Kauffman Stadium was completed and the Royals began to play in their new park featuring the artificial turf made popular by the Houston Astrodome.

Throughout the nearly 40 years of existence, the Royals have had their ups and downs, with winning seasons and championships mixed with last-place finishes and disappointing performances. Recently, the team had it's worst year in the franchise's history and posted a dismal 56-106 record. On the bright side, when you hit bottom, the only way to go is up!