Why did Lorenzo Cain become such a favorite among KC Royals fans? Here are five reasons
Royals fans gave outfielder Lorenzo Cain a standing ovation as he left the field in his final game with the Royals on the last day of the 2017 season.
Cain signed a free-agent deal with the Brewers that off season, and when Milwaukee played at Kauffman Stadium in 2018, Royals fans stood and cheered when he stepped to the plate. Cain hit a home run for the Brewers, and again heard cheers from Royals fans.
“That’s once-in-a-lifetime type stuff there,” Cain said of the Royals fans. “I definitely enjoyed it, it was a nice feeling that I hit a homer on the road and people cheer for you.”
Cain’s time in baseball may be over. The Brewers on Saturday designated him for assignment after reaching 10 years of service time in Major League Baseball.
“It’s been a great ride for me. A fun ride,” Cain told reporters on Saturday. “I put a lot of work in. I put my body through a lot over the years, so at the same time I think the body is definitely ready to rest.”
Cain remains beloved by Royals fans for his seven seasons in Kansas City. Here are five reasons why he captured the hearts of Kansas City sports fans.
1. That smile
A smile is said to be contagious, and that was certainly true when Cain made a clutch catch or delivered a big hit. That’s because he often would flash those pearly whites.
Cain’s smile is one of the best in baseball.
2. Playoff heroism
Cain had a huge impact on the Royals during their runs to the World Series in 2014 and 2015. Here is part of his playoff accomplishments.
- Had an RBI single as part of three-run eighth inning of the 2014 Wild Card Game.
- Cain was the MVP of the 2014 ALCS
- In the Royals’ epic comeback in Game 4 of the 2015 ALDS in Houston, he had an RBI single in the eighth inning
- His dash home from first in the eighth inning of Game 6 of the 2015 ALCS was the stuff of legends
- Cain had a three-run double in the 12th inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series
3. The lean back
Cain hit 56 home runs during his time in Kansas City and when he connected on one, he’d lean back. This was a mesmerizing sight.
4. Friendship with Salvador Perez
Cain never could have guessed that his life would be impacted simply because Royals catcher Salvador Perez got an Instagram account.
But Salvy loved to post videos of Cain, sometimes without Cain knowing the camera was recording. And, like a big brother, Perez relished tormenting Cain.
Despite the shenanigans, Cain and Perez have remained close friends.
5. Stellar defense
Perhaps the most improbable thing about Cain’s time in Kansas City is the number of Gold Glove Awards he won: Zero.
Cain did win the award once with the Brewers, but he could have won one or more in KC. He made life miserable for opposing teams by stealing hits (including home runs) at Kauffman Stadium and around the American League.
Royals fans were routinely wowed by catches such as this one.
It’s likely Cain will visit Kauffman Stadium again some day, and he’ll once again hear cheers from Royals fans because he remains a beloved figure.
