New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals: Back to the (Really) Old Days

I must have been on to something. On June 11 of this year, I wrote (you can read here) about the baseball rivalry that I missed. Well, it turns out that I am getting what I wished for. The Kansas City Royals will be taking on the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series after dispatching the Baltimore Orioles in two straight games. With the way baseball is now, it is hard to imagine these two teams meeting in the playoffs four times in five years. However, one thing this series will have in common with the others is that it is a best of five round.

The years were 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1980. The three series that took place in the 70’s were won by the Yankees while the 1980 affair was a Royals’ sweep. Not only were there great players up and down both teams, but each series had at least two memorable moments or games that made this rivalry special. Unfortunately for me, I am not quite old enough to say, “I remember the Chris Chambliss series ending homer” in 1976 or, “Did you see the Nettles-Brett brawl at third base last night?” in 1977. The only memories I have are from 1980 which saw (A) George Steinbrenner leaving in disgust after Willie Randolph got thrown out at home plate in Game 2 and (B) George Brett‘s moonshot off Goose Gossage in Game 3 to finally slay the Yankee dragon. It’s interesting to note is that while the teams largely remained the same through all four series, many big name players missed one or more clashes. Reggie Jackson didn’t get to the Yankees until 1977, Goose Gossage in 1978. Ron Guidry didn’t pitch in 1976 while Willie Wilson was a bit player in 1977. Dan Quisenberry did not get into the KC bullpen until 1980. Tragically, Thurman Munson did not live to 1980.

Maybe because of color TV and better sound quality, watching highlights from that era doesn’t seem that far removed. However, when you look at the years and then do the math, you realize that their first meeting was 48 YEARS AGO! Who are this year’s comparable players? Bobby Witt is George Brett. Aaron Judge is Thurman Munson. Juan Soto is Reggie Jackson. Seth Lugo is Dennis Leonard. Will this year’s games match the intensity from another era? Tune in for a rivalry renewed, 44 years in the making.

Author: Tom Lynch

Family is everything to me. Baseball is a close second. What better way to combine my two favorite passions than to write about them! My three children each have a different baseball team, hence the title, "Three Unassisted". I write about not only my thoughts but also the musings of Ryan (Yankees), Caitlyn (Phillies) and Matthew (Mets). I may have grown up a Yankees fan but since family is greater than ball, I also root for the Phillies and Mets. I love talking about my kids. I love talking about baseball. That lethal combination will keep you coming back for more. Happy reading! View all posts by Tom Lynch