Here’s to the Loyals, those long-suffering fans who keep Kansas City baseball going | Opinion

True believers

I think it is high time that we give a shout-out to the Kansas City Loyals: those long-suffering folks who continue to support a supposedly Major League Baseball team. A team that always seems to be in a rebuilding or “evaluation” mode.

When these Loyals are out at the ballpark and wasting their hard-earned money, all they have to do is listen to color commentator Rex Hudler and he will convince them that the team is only a move or two away from another World Series.

- Gary Groninger, Olathe

A fine time

I went to the Royals game on Father’s Day. It turned out to be a great day. The weather was beautiful and the boys in blue played hard. Unfortunately, the Angels were a bit better, but all in all, it was a really enjoyable afternoon.

By the way, anyone who believes Kauffman Stadium needs to be replaced is really out in left field.

- Burt Walker, Raymore

Outfield view

Most of the renderings of the proposed downtown baseball stadium show a view of the outfield opening to the downtown skyline. See, for example, the illustration published with the June 18 editorial, “If the new Royals stadium isn’t downtown, what’s the point?” (18A)

These renderings, however, are misleading if the proposed ballpark is located in the East Village, which seems to be the current consensus. Major League Baseball clearly states in rule 1.04, “The playing field: It is desirable that the line from home base through the pitchers plate to second base shall run east northeast.” For a view of downtown from the East Village, the ballpark would have to face west. Although many major league teams have ignored Rule 1.04, none has situated a stadium to face west, according to stadium diagrams posted on baseball-almanac.com

There may be many positive reasons for choosing the East Village site, but people should not be misled to believe that this site will offer an outfield view of the downtown skyline, unless the team bucks league rules entirely.

- Joe Matye, Kansas City

Get off the ride

I read with amusement the June 14 story, “The S&P 500 is in a bull market. Will it last?” (12A) I had to laugh because the answer is obviously a resounding no.

The article quotes an “investment analyst” who talks about the “roller coaster ride” for people who place their financial faith in the stock market, and especially in tech stocks. Reporter Sarah Hansen writes, “When it comes to the stock market, predicting the future is impossible. More gains may be on the way, but we could also see stocks fall again.” Of course stocks will fall again. They always fall again.

As someone with plenty of experience in financial advising, I’m always disappointed that stories such as this seldom highlight other options available for investors, especially those planning for retirement. I would love to see more news coverage about investors who choose to get off Wall Street’s roller coaster instead of living with the motion sickness it causes.

- Andy Daniels, Parkville

Realistic increase

I hear many friends complaining about the increased assessed value and increased taxes on their homes. (June 19, 1A, “Brookside residents feel the squeeze of assessment increases”) I know that the assessed value of my home increased by 60% since the last valuation two years ago. The taxes increased by $3,000. And that is where my complaint is.

I don’t disagree (very much) with the assessed valuation of my home. However, I don’t understand why the government of Kansas City should receive a windfall of revenue. I think the tax levy should be adjusted to a reasonable amount to support the operation of the city. The costs of our city government did not increase 60% over the last two years.

I don’t mind paying my taxes, but I believe those taxes should reflect the realistic public costs.

- Ken Mohler, Kansas City