In order to deepen my appreciation for baseball and its history, I have embarked on an effort to create a “dream team” for each franchise in the American and National Leagues, from the time it began play in its current location, or from 1947 (whichever is earlier). I present each team in batting order (the starting pitcher bats 9th), and include three more starting pitchers, five relief pitchers, as well as the best player, hitter, and fielder (and pinch hitter) not in the starting lineup.
* = Left-handed batter or pitcher. # = Switch-hitter.
Kansas City Royals (from 1969)
- Willie Wilson, LF (1976-1990) #
- Amos Otis, CF (1979-1983)
- George Brett, 3B (1973-1993) *
- Hal McRae, RF (1973-1987)
- John Mayberry, 1B (1972-1977) *
- Darrell Porter, C (1977-1980) *
- Frank White, 2B (1973-1990)
- Freddie Patek, SS (1971-1979)
- Kevin Appier, P (1989-1999 & 2003-2004)
Player: Carlos Beltran, CF (1998-2004) #; Hitter: Mike Sweeney, 1B (1995-2007); Fielder: Mike Macfarlane, C (1987-1998); Pinch hitter: Alex Gordon, 3B/LF (2007– ) *
Other starting pitchers:
- Bret Saberhagen (1984-1991)
- Mark Gubicza (1984-1996)
- Dennis Leonard (1974-1983 & 1985-1986)
Relief pitchers:
- Dan Quisenberry (1979-1988)
- Jeff Montgomery (1988-1999)
- Joakim Soria (2007– )
- Steve Farr (1985-1990)
- Steve Mingori (1973-1979) *
The Royals were my introduction to the concept of “underdogs,” so I was thrilled when they finally reached the summit in 1985. Since the “strike season” of 1994, however, they’ve been anything but Monarchs, finishing over .500 just once (in 2003, when they won 83 games). This dream team reflects that fact; notice the dates of the players in the starting lineup.
Still, this group puts the crown on the KC. A strong hitting lineup is complemented by an overpowering array of starters and relievers. Hal McRae never really played right field; he was normally the DH (and an occasional left fielder) but he was so good, he has to start, and thus Danny Tartabull is off the team. Kevin Seitzer could never replace George Brett at third, but he came close to making this roster, as did Zack Greinke. The only knock on the pitching staff, in fact, is its right-handedness; Charlie Leibrandt, Larry Gura or Paul Splittorf would be the best choices to remedy that I think, but which of the top four was I supposed to replace? I require at least one left-handed reliever, however, so Steve Mingori (a Kansas City native) gets the nod.
The Athletics were anything but native; none of the players who toiled on that team from 1955-1967 came into consideration in the compilation of Kansas City’s all-time greats team. But Roger Maris liked it there, so that’s something.
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