Kansas City Royals fanbase recognized in Fandom 250

The Kansas City Royals have shown over the past few years to have the best fans. FanSided’s Fandom 250 ranked the team’s fans. Here’s where they fell.

For the second straight year, the Kansas City Royals fans have been rewarded with a spot in FanSided’s Fandom 250. One of 11 MLB teams to make the cut, the Royals finished ninth among the group. The team finished No. 182 overall in the Fandom 250 rankings, which encompasses fanbases from around the world and across the entertainment spectrum.

Since ascending to the upper reaches of the baseball world over the past five years, the Kansas City Royals have had undoubtedly one of the best fanbases in North American sports. The knowledge and passion of Royals fans is virtually unparalleled.

What about next year?

But the fanbase is about to face a major challenge. One that — not to sound overly dramatic — could make or break things over the following few seasons. A rebuild appears to be on the horizon with a full-blown teardown just behind it. Fans on social media have already been vocal about refusing to support the team through another stretch of 90-loss seasons.

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Some have decided that not re-signing every member of the Core Four is too terrible to accept. Others seem to have accepted that aspect but have drawn a line in the sand when it comes to trading away players like Danny Duffy or Whit Merrifield. Only a small portion of fans have fully embraced the rebuild.

In some ways, it’s understandable for the new-age Kansas City Royals supporters to resist a rebuild. But it’s incredibly strange to see lifelong fans express the sentiment that reverting to losing will see them stop supporting the team. Frankly, it’s hard to understand how anyone can abandon a team just two-and-a-half years removed from a world championship.

In early October, we posted an open letter to the new generation of Royals fans. Maybe, some of those supporters (and even the long-time ones) planning to jump ship should take a look back at it.

Next: Top pitching seasons in Royals history

What do you think, fans? Will the Royals fanbase remain one of the best in baseball during a rebuild? Let us know your thoughts.