Kansas City Royals: Ten Best Seasons In Royals History
By Scott Dillon
Best Seasons in Kansas City Royals History: 8. 1984 (84-78; Won Division, Lost ALCS 3-0)
The 1984 season was the first year the Royals had won the division since losing the World Series in 1980. They did make an appearance in the playoffs in 1981, but it was a special circumstance.
The 1981 season was shortened by a strike and the season was split into first and second halves. The winner of each half squared off against each other within the division to determine who would go to the League Championship Series. They’d lose to the Oakland A’s in 3 games.
It seemed the window of opportunity that had been so wide open in the late seventies and early eighties was closing quickly. Three rookie pitchers would have something to say about that.
The Royals 1984 season wasn’t all that good. They only won 84 games that season. It featured aging stars in Frank White, Hal McRae, and George Brett. It seemed the window of opportunity that had been so wide open in the late seventies and early eighties was closing quickly. Three rookie pitchers would have something to say about that.
Bret Saberhagen debuted in 1984 and split time between the rotation and bullpen. He posted a 3.48 ERA in his rookie year and won ten games for the Royals. He was only beginning to touch on his abilities.
Mark Gubicza also debuted in 1984. His numbers weren’t as strong but he also turned into a ten game winner for the Royals that season. Gubicza was embarking on what would be a long journey with the Kansas City Royals.
Danny Jackson didn’t debut in 1984, but with only a brief appearance in 1983 he was still considered a rookie. He couldn’t help the Royals get to the promised land in 1984, but he would play a big role for them before too long.
The Royals lost to the, eventual World Series Champion and current division rival, Detroit Tigers. The Tigers have spent a lot of money since then but have no more hardware to show for it. Meanwhile, their small market Rival has netted two championships.
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