Royals fans relive World Series magic during special weekend at Kauffman Stadium
The Kansas City Royals will celebrate their 1985 and 2015 World Series teams this weekend against the St. Louis Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium.
Many fans will be in attendance for the festivities. The I-70 series is a part of Major League Baseball’s Rivalry Weekend, and has special meaning to the region.
There’s also a rich history between the teams. The Royals defeated the Cardinals in the 1985 World Series, taking home their first championship after a memorable Game 7 in front of their home faithful.
Thirty years later, the Royals won their second title in 2015. It was the culmination of a two-year run that included special memories for fans.
The Star caught up with some of those fans ahead of the championship reunion. Here is a trip down memory lane for Royals fans.
What was your favorite memory as a Royals fan?
“I love coming to the Royals games. It’s such a communal, friendly and fun atmosphere. I got turned onto the Royals coming as a visiting fan several years ago. I had so much fun. I was like, I can like my other team and I can like the Royals too. I adopted the Royals and it’s so much fun coming up here.” — Benjamin Waters from Tulsa, Oklahoma
What do you remember about the 1985 World Series team?
“I’m kind of in a weird state. I was actually a (St. Louis) Cardinals fan in 1985. So of course, my least fondest memory was the call at first base (MLB umpire Don Denkinger made a controversial safe call in Game 6). The Royals then blew the Cardinals out in Game 7. Then, I moved to Kansas City in 1990 and have been a Royals fan ever since.” — Tom Wright from Lee Summit, Missouri.
“I grew up watching the Royals from Chicago. Everybody says how hot it was but the baseball team was hotter. I moved here in 2014 and I got to see the Royals in the 2015 World Series. Nothing was better than Salvador Perez and Ben Zobrist. It’s amazing to have them all back here this weekend. I’m really excited.” — Tom Sullivan, Palatine, Illinois
What do you remember about the 2015 World Series team?
“My best memory of the 2015 team was obviously when everybody was jumping up and down and cheering. Just being all excited about the fact they won the World Series again. — Tom Wright from Lee Summit, Missouri
“Salvy is that bridge for everything. I can’t help but love the captain and his charisma.” — Benjamin Waters from Tulsa, Oklahoma
Who is your favorite Royals player?
“George Brett. His tenacity and the way he carried himself and how he played games hard every time.” — Tom Wright from Lee Summit, Missouri
“You can’t help but love Salvy and you’ve got to love the energy Bobby Witt Jr. brings to the game. And Drew Waters is an up and comer.” — Benjamin Waters from Tulsa, Oklahoma
Can the 2025 Royals make history of their own?
“You better believe that they can. This is a team that is loaded with the best pitching that I’ve ever seen from a ball club. If the bats get warmer or are average, this team can go deep. This pitching can take them there and I believe that the ownership is going to invest to ensure we have the bats. These bats will wake up and we are excited to have them. What an amazing time to be a Royals fan.” — Tom Sullivan, Palatine, Illinois
This story was originally published May 16, 2025 at 7:03 PM.
