KC Royals and New York Yankees rivalry through the years

KC Royals (and Yankees) struggles

Neither club made the playoffs from 1986-1994.  There were close calls for both sides and still star power on the rosters, just not enough to get over the hump. The next chapter of the story deals more with a Biblical David versus Goliath storyline.  Except in this version the giant stomps the small boy every time.

George Steinbrenner grew tired of not winning and missing the playoffs.  Combined with the free-agent market exploding in the 1990s, the Yankees seemed to get all of the players they wanted. Meanwhile, tough times took over in Kansas City with the passing of Ewing Kauffman and a lack of a true owner.

Constant budget cuts, bad free agent moves, questionable manager and general manager hirings, and draft errors kept the Royals from making a serious challenge for nearly 20 years.  Over in the city that never sleeps, a playoff qualifying run in 16 of 17 seasons began in 1995.

So, Royals fans did what we do best.  We protested?  In 1999 during a home series against the Bronx Bombers, a “walkout” was put on by many fans.

"The T-shirts will have “We love the Royals” on the front and “Share the wealth” on the back. Every time the Yankees come to bat, group members will turn their backs to the field. After the third inning, they’ll all get up and tape skeletons to their seats with signs that say, “Small markets are dying.” – cbsnews.com"

Despite the best efforts of those involved, things did not change. We are still stuck with the Yankees outspending the Royals by a large margin.

Anytime we beat the New York it feels like a major accomplishment – and it should.  The Royals have only won more games head-to-head against the Yankees in a season series twice since 1994.