Even in defeat, the Royals provide relief amid the chaos of the times
On “Law Enforcement Night” Monday at Kauffman Stadium, the flags of the United States, the state of Missouri and the Royals flew at half-mast in solemn recognition of the ambush of police in Baton Rouge.
Just as they had the last time the Royals played at home, in the aftermath of the chilling Dallas shootings.
The scene made for a poignant backdrop for the ceremonial first pitch by the young daughters of slain policeman Brad Lancaster, who in May became the first Kansas City, Kan., police officer killed in the line of duty since 1998.
And singing the national anthem was KCK police officer Dustin Dierenfeldt, whose rendition of “Amazing Grace” had touched so many at a memorial service for Lancaster.
Detective sings 'Amazing Grace' at funeral for KCK police Detective Brad Lancaster
So now it was Tuesday night, and the flags sagged sorrowfully again – or was it still? – as a moment of silence was invoked for KCK police Capt. Robert Melton, who was gunned down earlier in the day.
Amid the eruption of hate and chaos and noise consuming the world right now, a night at the ballpark may seem silly or trivial.
In the sideshow context of baseball, the flat, unsightly 7-3 loss to American League Central leader Cleveland might be considered a damaging loss in a crucial series.
Police Capt. Robert Melton has died; second KCK officer shot and killed in two months
In life, so what, really?
So … plenty, actually.
Because this is where you turn for diversion and hope and sanctuary, where you can find sustenance and communion in a cause shared by white and black and blue … by Democrats and Republicans (and a bragging rights battle by Kansans and Missourians at the Republican National Convention) and men and women and children of all ages.
Starting pitcher Brian Flynn knocked out early as Royals lose to Indians 7-3
“Regardless of what happens outside of here, when I get in here it’s a safe place, it’s a different world,” said Kansas City police Sgt. Skip Cox, who runs the KCPD’s Police Athletic League program and guards the visitor’s bullpen at most Royals games.
A world where the cause is built around nearly as many foreigners (12) as U.S.-born players (13 on the current 25-man roster), the pursuit shared by Americans and Dominicans and Venezuelans and an Australian, a Brazilian, a Cuban, a Mexican, a Nicaraguan, a Puerto Rican and a Taiwanese.
From this melting pot resonates what anyone rational and with a soul should seek: the peace and fulfillment that can only come with understanding you are part of something bigger than yourself.
Brian Flynn discusses start against Indians
No, the Royals aren’t very inspiring right now, and it may turn out they just aren’t so good, period.
About every time you think they’re going to turn on the switch because of some epic moment, they just sputter or tread water:
Consider the seven-run comeback against Minnesota in May, after which they went 4-8, and losing three of four after Sal Perez’s walkoff double on July 7.
Royals prospect Kyle Zimmer to have surgery to fix thoracic outlet syndrome
Even so, it was natural to assume Jarrod Dyson’s grand slam in the seven-run eighth inning on Monday would translate into something more on Tuesday as the Royals sought to extend the best home record in baseball and get some traction with this nine-game home stand.
Instead, they were on their heels from the get-go after more rotten results from out of the No. 5 starting slot black hole, this time embodied by Brian Flynn (2.1 innings, three runs).
Instead, all of the reasons to doubt them resurfaced, most notably the incredible disappearing offense that entered the game 14th in run production out of 15 AL teams despite being second in the league (.271) in batting average.
Royals left-hander Mike Minor nearing a rehab assignment
At some point, the numbers don’t reflect some sort of a slump or a trend but simply who you are.
Are we at that point?
It’s a particularly salient question with the trade deadline looming in less than two weeks as a line of demarcation in terms of both a team’s standing and sense of its own prospects ahead.
The Royals could buy, sell or stand pat. They could resolve that they are in this thing or essentially take a knee and look to the future.
Replay: Updates, stats from Tuesday night’s Royals-Indians game
Two years ago, when they were trying to shed the burden of not even having made the postseason since 1985, they faced precisely the same scenario in terms of their record.
They were 47-46 then, too, and it would get worse before it got better:
The Royals fell to 48-50 shortly after the All-Star break, and most figured it was curtains when they were gridlocked at the trade deadline as others made bold moves.
Kansas and Missouri battle over Royals bragging rights at Republican convention
Those Royals, though, would win 24 of 30 to reassert themselves into the race and eke out the wild-card berth against Oakland that became the transcendent, transformative portal to another dimension.
This time around, too, maybe it’s more a matter of imagination than logic to suppose they are going to emerge as a playoff contender down the stretch.
But that beats the alternative, especially at a time we all need a reminder that if the simplest common causes can galvanize and unite … why can’t the ones that matter most?
This story was originally published July 19, 2016 at 11:30 PM with the headline "Even in defeat, the Royals provide relief amid the chaos of the times."