A Very Royals Thanksgiving Thought

Once again, it is Thanksgiving. Today, we will gather with our families, and give thanks for what they have in their lives. This year, when giving thanks, Royals fans may include the boys in blue for the most recent year, a memorable season where the Royals truly put baseball back in the forefront. Sure, while we all will say the expected things that we are thankful for, like family, friends, good health and Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout (it’s delicious!), there are certainly other things that we are thankful for.

And that definitely includes the Royals. Watching them this past season, and seeing their miraculous run through the playoffs has certainly given us a lot to be thankful for. Here is my completely non-comprehensive Royals edition list of what I am thankful for this year.

I am thankful for Alex Gordon‘s cannon of an arm, which frightens baserunners into submission and turns doubles into a base hit and an out at second.

I am thankful for the Royals outfield defense, which would ensure that a ball hit in the Grand Canyon would not touch the ground.

I am thankful for the howitzer attached to the shoulder of Salvador Perez, making an opponent’s running game irrelevant.

I am thankful for those moments when Mike Moustakas can square a ball up, sending it into the stratosphere.

I am thankful for Alcides Escobar, and how he can make the spectacular seem routine.

I am thankful for Billy Butler, and the memories I will have of him in Kansas City. He may be in Oakland, but that does not change the joy he gave Royals fans. Or the taste of his barbecue sauce.

I am thankful for radar guns that reach triple digits, allowing everyone to enjoy the freak of nature that is Yordano Ventura and his seventh inning 100+MPH heater.

I am thankful for Wade Davis turning into a cyborg this season, programmed to strike out and demoralize the opposition.

I am thankful for Greg Holland, who makes the ninth inning as stress free as any closer can.

I am thankful for Ned Yost (Yes, seriously) for pushing all the right buttons and getting the Royals within a run of a championship.

I am thankful for the FanSided network for giving me the chance to write about my favorite team, giving me a place where I can air my thoughts.

And finally, I am thankful for all of you who read this site every day. Even if you do not comment, all of us here at Kings of Kauffman appreciate each and every one of you.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!