KC Sports Bracketlogy: Round of 32, Part Two

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Jul 3, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals mascot Slugger celebrates after the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

(12) 1994 KC Royals vs. (13) 1981 KC Royals

It’s the first match-up between the “same team” in our bracket as the ’94 KC Royals take on the ’81 KC Royals.

Interesting enough both pulled off huge upsets in the first round, guaranteeing a double-digit seed in the Sweet 16 (just like March Madness).

Royals fans are going to have to decide which season was more meaningful — because they were both odd.

In 1981 the KC Royals dealt with a strike that shortened the season into two halves. Winners of each half, regardless of total record, made the playoffs. The Royals finished first in one half, and despite finishing 50-53 overall, made the playoffs before getting swept.

The ’94 version won 14 in a row at one point, and was 64-51 before a strike ended the season, including the playoffs. The KC Royals were never able to regain that momentum until last year when they came within two runs of winning the World Series.

So which strike-shortened Royals season was better?

Next: Whitey vs. Roy