Tom Watson saw Royals’ character in title run

One of Kansas City’s biggest baseball fans couldn’t help but draw the connection between success and character when it came to the Royals’ World Series title run.

The charge for home-field advantage that followed the late-season swoon, the comebacks in eight of their 11 postseason victories — including three against the Mets in the World Series — legendary golfer Tom Watson saw more than talent pull the Royals through.

“What does it tell you about the character of this team?” Watson said. “The character of the team is what matters most. These players showed what they had.”

Watson, sporting his royal-blue sports jacket, attended the annual NAIA Champions of Character Foundation Luncheon on Monday at the Kansas City Convention Center. Royals general manager Dayton Moore was the keynote speaker.

The event celebrates character values of high school and college athletes in the region and in the NAIA. Moore was a member of the Champions of Character Board of Directors from 2007-10, and he often has expressed the importance of character in building teams.

“We knew from day one that if we’re going to win and win consistently we had to bring in players that understood the value of connecting with the community and the value of being a great teammate first and foremost,” Moore said. “The NAIA and Champions of Character are right up our alley.”

Moore cited the example of Alex Gordon, who arrived in Kansas City to great fanfare and, as a third baseman, was being compared to George Brett.

“What turned his career around?” Moore said. “Truthfully, it was just his commitment to be a great teammate each and every day, and try to figure out what he can do to help the team win.

“When you break in and you’re the next George Brett and supposed to be the savior of the franchise, that’s a lot of pressure. You just have to be a great teammate.”

The Royals’ future is uncertain with Gordon, the team’s longest tenured player who has opted for free agency and could be line for deal worth between $15 million-20 million annually for four or five years. The Royals have never issued a contract for more than $55 million.

This story was originally published November 9, 2015 at 8:10 PM with the headline "Tom Watson saw Royals’ character in title run."