While the stakes weren’t necessarily as high this time around as opposed to when the Royals won the ’14 American League pennant, the players and coaches were just as jubilant, popping champagne and beer bottles before they set out for New York and the American League Division Series.
“We deserve this, we’re going to enjoy it, great team win. Like I said, we didn’t come this far just to come this far. We’re doing this for Kansas City. The past years we haven’t been where we want to be, now we’re here so we have to make the most of it,” Bobby Witt Jr. said.
An emotional manager Matt Quatraro called his team inspiring, saying the players poured their heart and soul into their performance, and Vinnie Pasquantino said it was fun to celebrate, especially after coming off the injured list to contribute to the two-game sweep.
“This is why you play. Couldn’t be happier right now, it’s just so much fun to see this going on, compared to the other day, to be a part it,” Pasquantino said.
“I love when my eyes are burning with champagne. I hate it, but I love it at the same time, it’s just incredible.”
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez reacts after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Kansas City Royals outfielder Hunter Renfroe, center, celebrates with teammates following Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. The Royals won 2-1. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro gestures after his team defeated the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez reacts after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Kansas City Royals players and staff pose for photographers after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Kansas City Royals pitcher Lucas Erceg, right, and pitcher Lucas Erceg react after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, right, holds a cell phone as he and teammates celebrate after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., left, catcher Salvador Perez, center, and outfielder Tommy Pham, right, celebrate with teammates after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Kansas City Royals pitcher Angel Zerpa celebrates with teammates after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Kansas City Royals pitcher Angel Zerpa, left, douses third base Maikel Garcia as they celebrate with teammates after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 02: Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals takes a selfie with teammates in the locker room while celebrating their Wild Card Series victory against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on October 02, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Wild Card Series win is yet another remarkable accomplishment for a team coming off of a 106-loss season in 2023, but as Witt Jr said, they’re not done yet.
Kansas City takes on the Yankees in the ALDS, the first time the teams have met in the postseason since the 1980 American League Championship Series. The Royals swept that series 3-0, capped off by a dramatic George Brett three-run home run in the seventh inning into the upper deck at old Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees finished the regular season with the best run differential in the American League and the top seed, which gives New York home-field advantage. Game 1 is on Saturday with first pitch at 5:38 p.m. (17:38!). The entire series airs on TBS, streams on its apps and on HBO Max.
