NEW YORK — A rivalry took shape 47 years ago this Sunday. On a cool autumn evening in the Bronx during Game 2 of the 1977 ALCS, Hal McRae found himself on first base. The Kansas City Royals were behind the New York Yankees, 2-1, in the sixth inning when McRae devised a plan and called out to his teammate Freddie Patek, who was on second base.
“I signaled to Freddie,” McRae, now 79, recalled from his home in Florida on Friday. “If there was a ground ball, I was going to take out the middle infielder.”
Sure enough, as the Royals’ George Brett hit a grounder to Yankees third baseman Graig Nettles, the play unfolded. Nettles quickly threw to second baseman Willie Randolph, leading to an explosive moment — BOOM! McRae didn’t merely take out Randolph; he annihilated him with a rolling body block that started with McRae diving headfirst into Randolph’s thighs, resulting in both players crashing down at least 10 feet away from second base. The impact caused Randolph to drop the ball, allowing Patek to dash home, which prompted Yankees manager Billy Martin to storm out of the dugout in fury while Randolph yelled at McRae.
“As I walked off the field,” McRae recounted, “he threw the ball at me.”
Watching that clip today transports viewers to a different era of baseball, one untouched by terms like ‘big market’ and ‘small market,’ where players mingled in a less friendly manner, and rivalries were marked by animosity, fights, and public disputes. Over forty years ago, the Yankees and Royals clashed in the ALCS four times within five years. One side featured the famed Bronx Zoo-era Yankees, including Billy Martin, Thurman Munson, and later, Reggie Jackson — the sport’s premier franchise. Opposing them was an expansion team from the Midwest, boasting a Hall of Famer at third base and unmatched speed. This wasn’t just a baseball series; it resembled a blood sport.
“It was a (expletive) war,” Brett, the Royals’ Hall of Fame third baseman, stated on Friday, standing by the third-base dugout at Yankee Stadium. “That’s how it was back then.”
Although the old rivalry has since faded, a postseason series is set to restart Saturday night as the Yankees welcome the Royals for Game 1 of the ALDS, marking the first playoff encounter between the teams since 1980. The icons Brett and Martin have been replaced by Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr.
For many former Royals, the shared history evokes a complex mix of emotional scars — stemming from three ALCS defeats from 1976 to 1978 — and a sense of redemption after their 1980 triumph. However, after more than four decades, it has also fostered a sense of camaraderie: They were the team that challenged the Yankees like no other. They fought a fierce baseball battle in the Bronx and survived to tell their story.
“We despised each other,” former catcher Buck Martinez remarked. “That sums it up.”
“They were the empire,” asserted former catcher Jamie Quirk, “and we were the newcomers.”
“It was classic stuff that you’ll carry with you forever,” former outfielder Clint Hurdle reminisced. “It felt almost like we were playing in the wild, wild west.”
Hal McRae, pictured here after successfully stealing second base in 1978, played a significant role in the rivalry between the Yankees and Royals. (Focus on Sport / Getty Images)
Just prior to Game 1 of the 1976 ALCS, Brett found himself seated next to Martinez in the Kansas City home clubhouse. Although they had been minor league roommates and teammates on the Royals, this marked their debut in the playoffs.
“We were both incredibly nervous,” Martinez recalled. “I asked him if he was feeling anxious, and he said: ‘Yeah.’ I responded, ‘So am I.’”
Shortly after, Brett committed two errors in the first inning. From his position behind the plate, Martinez encouraged him, shouting, “You’re alright now.”
The Royals were celebrating their eighth season as a franchise and had finally made it to the postseason after defeating the Oakland A’s in the AL West. Conversely, the Yankees had ended a lengthy absence from the playoffs, returning for the first time since 1964. In retrospect, the 1976 ALCS was a comparatively mild encounter, with its most notable moment being the thrilling Game 5 held in the Bronx.
In a tied game at 6-6 with two outs in the top of the ninth, the Royals managed to place runners on first and second. Jim Wohlford then hit a slow roller to third base, resulting in a contentious call that forced Royals outfielder Al Cowens out at second. The bizarre decision led Yankees fans to throw toilet paper streamers and trash onto the field. As Royals pitcher Mark Littell prepared on the mound during the ninth inning, the game faced a delay due to the grounds crew’s efforts to clean up the mess.
“We stood on the field for what felt like an eternity,” remarked Martinez.
Brett remains unsure whether the delay impacted Littell’s performance. However, he distinctly remembers the next events: Littell threw a fastball to Chris Chambliss of New York, who took a powerful swing and launched a game-winning home run towards right-center field. As the ball soared over the fence, throngs of Yankees fans surged onto the field. Brett dashed towards the third-base dugout, with Martinez racing in from home plate. McRae, stationed in right field, couldn’t find a clear escape route to the dugout; instead, he sprinted across the outfield and slipped through an open gate in left field.
“The door was ajar, so I made a beeline for it,” recalled McRae. “It was a frightening experience. Fans were flooding the field, and I had no idea what might unfold.”
This was, indeed,
McRae remained undeterred. Growing up in Cincinnati, he had imitated the playing style of teammate Pete Rose, dashing after every ground ball and holding his teammates accountable. Whenever Dennis Leonard was set to pitch, McRae would hold up a few fingers as Leonard made his way to the bullpen; those fingers indicated the number of runs the Royals would score that day.
However, the cross-body block was a technique of his own creation.
“I knew I would make contact, and he wouldn’t be able to throw to first base,” McRae explained.
It’s safe to say that McRae wasn’t the type to waste time with Johnson, who was merely a backup player.
“I told Cliff,” McRae recalled, “I’m not going to get into a fight with an ‘extra man.’”
Despite this, the Yankees triumphed in Game 4 in Kansas City, leading to a decisive Game 5, infamous for the first-inning brawl involving Brett and Graig Nettles. Brett smacked an RBI triple and slid hard into third base, resulting in Nettles delivering a slight kick. Infuriated, Brett retaliated with an overhand haymaker, igniting a chaotic scuffle that featured Yankees catcher Thurman Munson covering Brett at the bottom of the pile—“He just kind of protected George on the ground,” Martinez remarked—as well as starting pitcher Ron Guidry joining in the tussle.
“I recall George coming back to the dugout and saying, ‘He kicked me,’” Quirk noted.
No ejections occurred.
“The umpires cleared everyone out,” Martinez explained. “Then they asked: Are you guys done now? OK, let’s proceed.”
This time, the Royals entered the ninth inning with a 3-2 lead. However, the Yankees surged with three runs, clinching their second consecutive AL pennant en route to their first World Series victory since 1962.
“That one was probably the most heartbreaking for us
The 1980 Royals would face defeat against the Phillies in the World Series, losing in six games, and it would take another five years before they finally secured their first championship. However, for many players, achieving victory over the Yankees felt nearly as triumphant as winning the title itself.
“I was positioned in right field when Dan Quisenberry struck out Willie Randolph to record the final out,” recalled former Royal John Wathan. “That was the first time I ever cried during a baseball game.”
One summer day in the 1990s, something amusing happened. Wathan participated in a charity golf tournament featuring former Royals and Yankees from the late 1970s, two teams that had spent four Octobers despising one another.
“You come to realize that they are genuinely good guys,” Wathan remarked with a chuckle.
Friendships have blossomed since then. Stories of the past have been exchanged. Hurdle lives near Bucky Dent in Florida and continues to be impressed by the fierce competitiveness of Lou Piniella and Munson, who passed away 10 months after the 1978 series.
“All they wanted was to beat you,” Hurdle explained. “Looking at those two, I can’t imagine better teammates than those who simply aim to outplay the other team.”
Nearly fifty years later, Brett has come to a similar resolution. He no longer harbors animosity towards those players. Yet, the Yankees still evoke disdain within him. It’s unavoidable.
McRae goes even further.
“We didn’t hate the players themselves,” McRae expresses. “Our hatred was directed at the Yankees. They seemed to hold all the advantages, and we felt envious of their ability to sign players. This disparity was at the heart of our feelings.”
As another playoff showdown between Kansas City and New York loomed, McRae recounted another story, one less famous than Randolph being taken out or the brawl between Brett and Nettles. When the final out was recorded in 1977, after all the trash-talking and fights subsided, a few Royals approached the Yankees’ clubhouse.
“We walked over and congratulated them,” he said. “It was done. The battle was over.”
(Top photo of Yankee catcher Thurman Munson attempting to block George Brett from scoring: Focus on Sport / Getty Images)
47 Years Later: Reflecting on the Fierce Yankees-Royals Rivalry that Defined an Era
Historical Context of the Yankees-Royals Rivalry
The rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals is one that has shaped the landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB). Emerging prominently in the late 1970s, this fierce competition was characterized by intense games and dramatic playoff matchups, making it one of the most memorable rivalries in baseball history.
The Birth of the Rivalry: 1970s Showdown
The rivalry ignited during the late 1970s, when both teams were vying for supremacy in the American League. Key moments during this period included:
– **1976 AL Championship Series**: The Royals faced the Yankees for the first time in the postseason.
- **Controversial Games**: The 1977 season featured several controversial calls and altercations that fueled the rivalry.
– **Star Power**: Players like George Brett for the Royals and Reggie Jackson for the Yankees became icons during this era.
Key Matches and Moments
Throughout the years, specific games and series have stood out in the Yankees-Royals rivalry. Here are a few pivotal encounters:
| Year | Series | Key Moment |
|——|————–|———————————————–|
| 1976 | ALCS | Royals’ first postseason appearance |
| 1977 | Regular Season | George Brett’s famous .390 batting average |
| 1980 | ALCS | Royals finally defeat Yankees in playoffs |
These moments not only showcased the talent of the players but also reflected the intensity of the rivalry that captivated fans across the nation.
Impact on MLB and Fan Engagement
The Yankees-Royals rivalry significantly impacted MLB, from boosting attendance rates to enhancing media coverage. Fans eagerly awaited matchups, and the intensity often translated into electric atmospheres in the stadiums.
Fan Experiences: A Tale of Passion and Loyalty
Supporters of both teams have often described their experiences during games as exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Here are some key aspects of fan engagement:
– **Raucous Crowds**: Games between the Yankees and Royals frequently drew large crowds, creating an atmosphere that was both competitive and festive.
– **Tailgating Traditions**: The pre-game tailgating culture became a hallmark of Yankees-Royals matchups, allowing fans to bond over their shared love of the game.
– **Memorable Chants and Cheers**: Unique chants developed among fan bases, adding to the rivalry’s lore.
Rivalry Evolution: From the 1980s to Today
As the years progressed, the rivalry underwent changes with shifts in team success and player rosters. The 1980s saw the Royals emerge as a strong competitor, culminating in their 1985 World Series victory. Meanwhile, the Yankees continued to assert their dominance within MLB.
Shifts in Team Dynamics
The dynamics of the rivalry have evolved over the decades:
– **1980s Success for the Royals**: The Royals secured their first and only World Series title in 1985, which was a pivotal moment in the rivalry’s history.
– **Yankees Resurgence in the 1990s**: The late 1990s saw the Yankees become a powerhouse, further intensifying the competitive nature of their matchups.
Cultural Significance and Legacy
The Yankees-Royals rivalry is not just about baseball; it also reflects broader cultural themes of competition and regional pride. The intense matchups have become part of the sports narrative in America.
Media Representation
The rivalry has often been highlighted in sports media, showcasing dramatic moments and player rivalries. Documentaries, articles, and social media discussions have kept the memory alive for fans and new generations.
Lessons from the Rivalry
The Yankees-Royals rivalry offers several lessons that can be applied beyond sports:
– **Resilience**: Both teams demonstrated resilience, especially during tough playoff series.
– **Community Engagement**: The rivalry fostered community bonds among fans, creating lasting connections.
First-Hand Experiences and Anecdotes
For many, the Yankees-Royals rivalry is steeped in personal experiences. Here are a few stories from fans and players:
– **A Fan’s Perspective**: A lifelong Royals fan recalls the thrill of attending games during the 1977 season and the electric atmosphere that defined those matchups.
– **Player Insights**: Former players have shared their thoughts on the rivalry, emphasizing the challenge and excitement of facing off against such a storied franchise.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Yankees-Royals Games
If you’re planning to attend a Yankees vs. Royals game, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
– **Arrive Early**: Beat the crowd and enjoy pre-game festivities.
– **Wear Team Colors**: Show your support by donning your team’s gear.
– **Engage with Fans**: Connect with other fans for a shared experience.
Conclusion: The Enduring Nature of the Rivalry
As we reflect on 47 years since the inception of the Yankees-Royals rivalry, it remains a defining aspect of baseball history. The passion, drama, and unforgettable moments continue to resonate with fans old and new, ensuring that this rivalry will be remembered for generations to come.
