The world of Major League Baseball (MLB) is an exciting one, full of intense rivalries and historic matchups. One such matchup is the Toronto Blue Jays vs. the Kansas City Royals. These two teams have a storied history and are always a must-watch when they meet on the diamond. In this post, we will take a closer look at the Toronto vs. Kansas City rivalry and what makes it so special.
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The History of the Rivalry
The rivalry between the Blue Jays and the Royals dates back to the 1980s, when both teams were emerging as powerhouses in the American League. The Blue Jays were a relatively new team, having joined the league in 1977, while the Royals had been around since 1969. In the early days, the two teams didn't have much of a rivalry, as they were in different divisions and didn't play each other very often.
However, things started to heat up in the mid-80s when the Blue Jays and the Royals both found themselves competing for the top spot in the American League. In 1985, the two teams met in the American League Championship Series (ALCS), with the Royals ultimately coming out on top and advancing to the World Series. The Blue Jays would get their revenge the following year, beating the Royals in the ALCS and earning a trip to the World Series of their own.
Since then, the Blue Jays and the Royals have had many memorable matchups, both in the regular season and in the playoffs. In fact, the two teams met again in the ALCS in 2015, with the Royals once again coming out on top and going on to win the World Series.
The Players
One of the things that makes the Toronto vs. Kansas City rivalry so special is the quality of the players on both teams. Over the years, both teams have had some of the best players in the league, including some who have gone on to become Hall of Famers.
For the Blue Jays, some of the most notable players include Roberto Alomar, Joe Carter, and Carlos Delgado. Alomar, in particular, is a fan favorite in Toronto, having played for the team from 1991 to 1995 and helping them win back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993.
On the Royals side, some of the most iconic players include George Brett, Bo Jackson, and Bret Saberhagen. Brett, in particular, is one of the greatest players in Royals history, having spent his entire 21-year career with the team and winning an MVP award in 1980.
Of course, both teams also have plenty of talented players on their current rosters. For the Blue Jays, players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Hyun-Jin Ryu are some of the biggest names. Meanwhile, the Royals have players like Salvador Perez, Whit Merrifield, and Carlos Santana leading the way.
The Ballparks
Another thing that adds to the Toronto vs. Kansas City rivalry is the unique atmosphere at each team's ballpark. The Blue Jays play at the Rogers Centre, which has a retractable roof and can seat up to 53,506 fans. The stadium is located in downtown Toronto and is easily accessible by public transit.
Meanwhile, the Royals play at Kauffman Stadium, which is located in Kansas City, Missouri. The stadium can seat up to 37,903 fans and is known for its beautiful fountains and large video board. Kauffman Stadium is also home to the Royals Hall of Fame, which honors some of the greatest players in team history.
The Cities
Finally, the rivalry between Toronto and Kansas City is also influenced by the cities themselves.
