1980 Season

The 1980 Kansas City Royals posted a 97-65 record under new manager Jim Frey, and the squad became the first in franchise history to advance to the World Series. - Royals

First baseman Willie Aikens -- who posted a .278 average, 20 home runs and 98 RBIs during the regular season -- blasted four homers while batting .400 in the 1980 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. - Royals


Outfielder Amos Otis, who only hit for a .251 average during the regular season, exploded in the 1980 World Series with three home runs and a .478 batting average. - Royals

Dan Quisenberry had a 12-7 record, 33 saves and a 3.09 ERA in 75 appearances for the Royals. During the 1980 World Series, the right-hander was the winning pitcher during Game 3.

- Royals


During the fall of 1980, George Brett had a surprise for President Jimmy Carter. The bumper stickers were being sold in the Kansas City area to raise money for baseball scholarships.

- Royals

The New York Yankees had defeated the Royals in the ALCS from 1976 to 1978, but Kansas City would finally have its revenge. The Royals swept the Yankees in three straight games, with Larry Gura, Dennis Leonard and Dan Quisenberry each earning wins. - Royals


After losing the first two games of the World Series against Philadelphia, Kansas City came storming back in Game 3 to win its first-ever World Series game. Willie Aikens continued his hot hitting and stroked a game-winning single to end the matchup, 4-3, in 10 innings. - Royals

Right-hander Dennis Leonard, who posted a 20-11 record and a 3.79 ERA in 38 appearances during the regular season, pitched during Game 4 of the 1980 World Series, which the Royals won, 5-3, over the Phillies. - Royals


Although the Royals had tied the World Series, the Phillies snagged back-to-back wins, claiming the title in Game 6 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. - Royals

With his many accomplishments throughout 1980, third baseman George Brett had an award-filled season -- the All-Star was named the American League MVP and won the Silver Slugger Award. - Royals