Kansas City Royals All Time Best Managers

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

1. Dick Howser

Even now, thirty years after he guided the Kansas City Royals to their only World Series championship, and 28 years after his untimely passing due to a brain tumor, Dick Howser is entwined in Royals lore. One of three people to have their number retired by the team, Howser stands immortalized in bronze, standing with his foot on the top step of the dugout, waiting to celebrate yet another victory.

Howser, while remembered for that World Series championship, was far more successful than in just that one year. He guided the Royals to three playoff berths, tied with Herzog for the most in team history. His 404 wins is third all time, and one has to wonder how many more victories he would have amassed had his time not been cut short.

Howser, with his calm demeanor and ever present confidence, was exactly the guiding voice the Royals needed. They had been to the playoffs before, and even made a World Series appearance, but were unable to take that final step. Even when things looked darkest during Game Six, the Royals persevered, in no small part sue to Howser’s belief in their ability to win.

Whitey Herzog may have set the foundation, but Dick Howser was able to bring home the prize. For that, he remains the greatest manager in Kansas City Royals history.

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