3 plays that defined Alex Gordon’s career with KC Royals

Most players do not spend 14 years in the majors, much less all with the same team.  The KC Royals were fortunate to have this player pull it off.

It started with Alex Gordon being selected second overall in the 2005 amateur draft from the University of Nebraska.  The excitement of a nearby college star who played third base, batted left-handed, and threw with his right brought the nostalgia of a certain KC Royals icon, George Brett.

A tough and unfair comparison for any player to live up to.  Gordon appeared to be up to the challenge his first three professional seasons though.  A full season at the Double-A Wichita Wranglers (I was lucky enough to see him play) led to a minor league player of the year award with a .325 average, 29 home runs, 22 stolen bases, and an amazing 1.016 OPS.

His rookie year in the majors was a bit rocky, but not at all bad and he improved in 2008 slashing .260/.351/.432. The wheels began to come off in 2009 when struggles with the bat and very concerning fielding at the hot corner led to just a .920 fielding percentage, well below the league average, earned Gordon a trip back to the minors.

“Alex, you are more than a teammate, you are my brother. You’ve represented our team and Kansas City for the past 14 years better than [anyone]. I am going to miss you so much brother! May God continue to bless you in your next chapter. #4evergordon” – Salavdor Perez mlb.com

The transition to the outfield began in 2010 and while the hitting still was not solid the dedication Gordon put into learning his new position began to take form.  What followed were not only five seasons of an OPS+ rating of 103 or higher, but a place as one of the greatest left fielders of all time.

Seven Gold Gloves in nine seasons, three straight All-Star Games, and 51 assists from the OF during the 2011-2013 years.  The assist numbers would decline after that but only because teams made the wise decision to no longer test his arm.

While the last few years saw a dip in production at the plate, Gordon was still coming every day to the park, putting in rigorous workouts, and being a gracious contributor to the community.  Sadly the COVID pandemic will not allow KC Royals fans the opportunity to give number 4 a proper send-off in his last game but a standing ovation surely awaits him when he’s inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame down the road.

In this article, we look at three plays that define the Alex Gordon Era.  There are so many to choose from, but these are ones that will be etched in Kansas City fan’s minds for years to come.

Someday the KC Royals will have a defensive player of the year award named “The Gordo”.  The image above will be the statue.

I am going to cheat on this portion.  I knew I wanted to showcase his hose out in left field and what better way than displaying all 20 of his assists his first full year roaming the outfield.  So before we get to one of his signature plays, check out this clip:

It is hard to narrow down one catch when there are volumes of examples to choose from.  However, being in the spotlight of the playoffs and being willing to sacrifice your body merits strong consideration.

Of course, 2014 was a magical year for the franchise.  Reaching the playoffs for the first time since ’85 and the legendary Wild Card game started a great playoff winning streak.  While hosting the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3, Gordon not only displayed his speed and ability to read a ball but his overall toughness.

J.J. Hardy attempted to jumpstart the Oriole offense with a long drive off his bat.  What followed was a catch and collision that woke up the Royals dugout and crowd.

The play would prove valuable as the Royals would go on to hold on to a 2-1 victory.  Had Gordon not caught up with and held onto the ball, the outcome could have been much different.

Bottom of the ninth in the World Series and your team is down by a run?  No sweat if you are Alex Gordon.

Sure, the Royals have experience with losing home games to kick off a World Series and rallying to win the title.  However, being in the moment it did seem like it was going to be a tough mountain to climb if Kansas City fell in Game 1.

Especially with the New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia.  Being down going into the ninth inning seemed to be insurmountable with him on the mound.

Familia entered the game not having blown a save since July 30, and he’d only allowed one home run in that span during the regular season. He had thrown 9 2/3 shutout innings this postseason entering Game 1, tallying five saves. — mlb.com

Salvador Perez led off the inning grounding out and the Royals were down to just two outs.  Batting eighth and hitless on the night, Gordon certainly did not have momentum coming into the at-bat.  What followed left the crowd at Kauffman Stadium going berzerk.

It was not a ball that just barely made it over the fence.  Crushed to dead center, it saved the game as Kansas City would eventually win the game in the 14th-inning and of course take the series in five games.

These are just three moments in the great career of Gordon, many of you will have other ones that stand out to you.  Thank you Alex for the memories and enjoy that pizza!