WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)—Playoff baseball fans have high hopes as the Kansas City Royals make their way to New York for the divisional round, where they will take on the New York Yankees.
KSN’s Derek Lytle spoke to players from the 2015 and 1985 championship teams about what it’s like to go all the way.
Kris Medlen, who pitched in the 2015 World Series and Jim Sundberg, who caught for the championship squad in 1985, said it was a wild ride with some of the best fans in baseball.
They believe this year’s team could have a shot to make it happen as well.
“I was yelling at the TV, watching them dominate the Orioles,” said Medlen.
Medlen appeared in relief during the Royals’ run to a title in 2015. He said this year’s team has some of the swagger they had, and his advice to them is to slow down and take it in because it goes by quickly.
“Running on the field and dog piling and celebrating in the clubhouse, that’s great, but It goes by so fast, you don’t even realize it, and all of the sudden, you’re on the plane, with disheveled hair, holding the World Series trophy on the way back,” said Medlen.
He said the team was fueled by the passion the Kansas City fans have for the game, and he will never forget the 2015 victory parade.
“Being on the backs of those trucks with your family and really understanding the love of the game, that all the Kansas City fans have, and seeing people on top of parking structures stacking and just the amount of people that,” said Medlen.
Flashback 30 years: The 1985 World Series team. Catcher Jim Sundberg said winning brings Kansas City together.
“The bond that occurs on a team, that you win with, the guys on the team, and then the community as well, it’s an amazing thing,” said Sundberg.
He has a special connection to this year’s squad, hopeful they go all the way.
“I’m a big Bobby Whitt Jr. fan. I caught his dad in Texas. I’m pulling for Kansas City, looking for them to try and win. It’ll be fun to watch,” said Sundberg.
Jim shares that the Royals are planning a 1985 and 2015 reunion for next season, and they’d love to include a 2024 championship team on that day.
