11 Comments

A couple of my reactions to your piece.

I was there Friday night, and it was awesome. I'm not gonna say the atmosphere was at late 2014 or 2015 levels, but it was the best I've seen in years. Since at least 2017. As my son commented, when the CrownVision called for noise, it actually got loud. The place seemed pretty full on the lower level. We were in the upper deck, and while it was far from empty, we had plenty of room to stretch out. Your theories on attendance sound spot-on to me. This was the second game I've taken my whole family to this season-subbed in my dad for my wife this time, but that's two trips to the park for five people. I'm not a wealthy man, and between tix, parking, and concessions, it's definitely put a dent in my wallet. Going to the K is probably my favorite recreational activity, but the cost certainly limits how often I make it out there.

The other thing I want to touch on is your comment about the A's pitcher making his first start Friday. I don't know if it actually happens more to the Royals or if it just feels like it since I follow them closely, but I know exactly what you're talking about, and I definitely commented on it to my son at the game. As a Notre Dame football fan, I feel the same way whenever they face a backup QB making his first start. Seems like it pretty much guarantees the kid will throw for 350 yards and 4 TDs, and if the Royals are facing a debut starter, I know they're gonna have their hands full.

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Maybe the crowds weren’t at capacity, but they certainly brought the noise. It was most definitely electric at The K.

Wild how that debut starter thing works. I understand the “lack of scouting” argument, but that’s less of an excuse on 2024 given the tools that all teams have when it comes to video and whatnot. Maddening, isn’t it?

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May 20Liked by Craig Brown

Vinnie is so freaking funny. Love that guy. He's great for the clubhouse.

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10/10. Would have multiple beers with that dude.

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May 20Liked by Craig Brown

Did Salvy rub Lorenzo's head. This is the burning question I have. Was out there Friday and Saturday night, but arriving just before first pitch each time. Was a little disappointed in crowd sizes both games, but we were rowdy

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I cannot answer that question. And don’t use Instagram but that would’ve been a great place to post if it did happen. Maybe it did?

The crowd certainly brought the energy. That’s the thing about KC…the enthusiasm is there for this organization. Just have to supply a reason. That’s something it took the Glass family years to fully realize. I’m certain that Sherman and his group understand.

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May 20Liked by Craig Brown

Regarding attendance - it was also a big graduation weekend around KC. We attended Saturday night’s game and had a hard time rounding up friends to go with us. That said, the atmosphere was great and it sure was fun to watch!

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No doubt things were going on around town. I’m always reluctant to mention any one thing because there’s always something. And grad weekends are biggies.

It will be interesting to see how the attendance trends roll once school is officially out and if the Royals stay in the thick of the race.

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Nelly's 2 for 4 on Saturday was encouraging, but since that was sandwiched between a pair of 0-fers, only mildly encouraging.

MJ got on base 3 times in 8 PAs, so that's a little more encouraging.

Chiefs fans are calling for them to sign Hunter Renfroe's doppelganger. Isn't there a rule that says a city can only have 1 Hunter Renfro[e]/[w]? If so, yes, please make that move, Brett Veach.

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Velázquez and Melendez have shown flashes but just have failed to catch fire. In Melendez’s case, I think it may be coming but I’m at the point where I wonder if the valleys are simply too much. I know the second half last year was strong, but I’m just not seeing it for him at this point this year. Disappointing.

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