Franchise Timeline
1980s
October 27, 1985: Kansas City celebrated its first World Series title with an 11-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Royals Stadium. Bret Saberhagen tossed a five-hitter to cap off one of the greatest comebacks in World Series history. The Royals rallied from a three games to one deficit to win the championship.
The Royals reached the top of the baseball world with a trip to their first World Series in 1980 and the organization's first World Championship in 1985. After finishing second in the American League West in 1979, the Royals rebounded to win the division title for the fourth time in five years.
The baseball world followed George Brett's pursuit of .400, as the slugger finished with a .390 average. Kansas City vanquished the rival New York Yankees on Brett's dramatic home run off of Goose Gossage at Yankee Stadium, which propelled the Royals into their first World Series. The Royals fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.
Kansas City won the World Series against cross-state rival St. Louis in 1985, after coming back from deficits of 2-0 and 3-1. Series MVP Bret Saberhagen tossed a five-hit shutout as the Royals bombed St. Louis, 11-0 in the seventh and deciding game.
The organization suffered a devastating loss with the death of its popular manager, Dick Howser, who had guided the team to its first world championship.
The 80s saw the Royals make two World Series appearances, win their first Series title, capture three playoff berths and produce and acquire outstanding baseball talent. Bo Jackson, Saberhagen, Mark Gubicza and Kevin Seitzer emerged as Kansas City's new wave of stars.