Candidates to throw out the first pitch for the Royals

Bret Saberhagen

In the hierarchy of important moments in Royals history, none ranks higher than Game Seven in 1985. That night, Bret Saberhagen stared down the St. Louis Cardinals, firing a five hit shuout as the Royals celebrated their first World Series championship.

Over his Royals career, Saberhagen was one of the best pitchers in their history. Not only was he the World Series MVP in 1985, Saberhagen won two Cy Young awards, was a two time All-Star and pitched the most recent no hitter in Royals history. Over his tenure with the Royals, Saberhagen posted a 110-78 record with a 3.21 ERA and a 1.134 WHiP, earning his induction in the Royals Hall of Fame in 2005.

On the list of players who could return to symbolize the passing of the torch from the great teams of the 1970’s and 1980’s, Bret Saberhagen would be on that short list. The winning pitcher in the biggest game in the history of the Royals, few players would have that sort of cache to come back for that first pitch.

Yet, as great as an option as Saberhagen would be, there are still others who may be better. In fact, there is one from the Royals recent past who could work as well.