The Kansas City Royals have had their fair share of rivalries throughout their history in Major League Baseball.
As a team in the American League (AL) Central division, the Royals have developed intense competition with other teams in their division, as well as with teams in neighboring states.
A rival team often provides added excitement to the games, with both players and fans eager to prove who is the best.
One of the most notable rivalries for the Royals is with the St. Louis Cardinals, commonly referred to as the “Show-Me Series” or the “I-70 Series.” This interleague rivalry is fueled by the teams’ shared history in Missouri, creating a strong sense of state pride on both sides of the competition. Another recent rivalry has emerged with the Detroit Tigers, which began once the Tigers moved to the AL Central in 1998.
In each of these rivalries, the stakes are high, and the on-field performance and energy are palpable.
Though winning against a rival always carries a little extra significance for the team and its fans, it’s essential to remember that above all, enjoying the game’s excitement and camaraderie is what makes the world of baseball truly special.
Friendly Rivalries
Chicago White Sox
The Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox have developed a friendly rivalry over the years.
Although their games haven’t often held playoff implications, the two teams have consistently battled to improve their standings within the division.
The 2015 brawl involving Jeff Samardzija further added to the history of this rivalry.
Minnesota Twins
Another friendly Royals rivalry can be found with the Minnesota Twins.
Both teams play in the American League Central division, and their games against each other have consistently delivered high levels of competition and excitement.
Detroit Tigers
Rounding out the list of friendly Royals rivalries, we have the Detroit Tigers.
While their rivalry began more recently due to the Tigers joining the AL Central in 1998, their games have since fostered a spirit of friendly competition between fans and the teams.
Regional Rivals
St. Louis Cardinals
The Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals have a unique rivalry, often referred to as the “I-70 Series” or the “Show-Me Series.”
This rivalry stems from both teams being located in the state of Missouri, with the Royals representing Kansas City and the Cardinals representing St. Louis.
Their meetings during interleague play have always been exciting and competitive, attracting fans of both teams in a show of state pride.
One of the most notable moments in this rivalry’s history dates back to the 1985 World Series, when the Royals won their first championship in franchise history.
After trailing 3-1 in the series, the Royals made a comeback to defeat the Cardinals in seven games, adding fuel to the rivalry’s fire.
In recent years, the I-70 Series has showcased intense matchups and close games, with each team eager to claim bragging rights for Missouri.
While the Royals and Cardinals may not meet as frequently as some other rivalries in baseball, their meetings are always memorable and entertaining.
The friendly spirit of the rivalry is embraced by fans of both sides. Tailgating, friendly banter, and shared celebrations are common when the two teams meet, creating a fun and exciting atmosphere for everyone involved.
The Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals will undoubtedly continue their regional rivalry, and fans can look forward to many more thrilling showdowns in the years to come.
Historical Rivals
New York Yankees
The Kansas City Royals and the New York Yankees have a deep-rooted history that dates back to the 1970s and 1980s.
The competitive fire between these two teams was ignited during the 1977 and 1978 American League Championship Series when they battled for supremacy. The Yankees emerged as the winners in both these years, which fueled the rivalry even further.
The 1980s saw more intense competition between the Royals and Yankees. The tables turned in 1980 when the Royals finally managed to beat the Yankees, winning their first American League Championship.
Both teams have had memorable moments in their meetings, making their rivalry an essential part of baseball history.
Oakland Athletics
The rivalry between the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics ignited during the 2014 American League Wild Card game.
In this thrilling contest, the Royals emerged victorious in a 12-inning battle that marked their return to the MLB postseason after a 29-year drought.
Over the years, this rivalry has intensified, with incidents like the 2015 brawl involving Jeff Samardzija contributing to its notoriety.
While it may not be as storied as the Royals-Yankees rivalry, the competition between the Royals and Athletics adds passion and drama to their games.
From the thrilling championships in the past to recent field altercations, the Kansas City Royals’ rivalries with the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics have provided baseball fans with exciting and memorable moments.
These rivalries continue to be an exciting aspect of the game today.
James is a big time NBA Golden State follower, who makes sure to catch games when he's in the area. He likes to follow International Soccer, with an interest in small town soccer club, Blackburn Rovers located in the North on the UK.