Eγώ αγάπη οι Ροιαλς
(I love the Royals)
In “Jerry Maguire” the main character’s life comes to a crossroads when he pens his mission statement “The Things We Think and Do Not Say.” It tore apart his chosen profession as a sports agent. Jerry believed that all sports agents would like to treat their clients in a different manner, not be so, well, slimy and fake. It was a renaissance to Jerry. Many loved it, but few would stand up for what it really said. The industry was built on placating athletes, but not really caring about them; praising them, but not real αγάπη (Greek = love); saying they believed in them, but kicking them to the curb when their usefulness had eroded. So Jerry lost his job for his beliefs. He was ostracized, ridiculed and doubted himself. But at the end, his loyalty to that one player was rewarded. He never gave up on Rod Tidwell and shared in Tidwell’s penultimate night as a player and the fruits that bore.
We Royals fans are Jerry Maguire. We have been ridiculed for more than 20 years. It has been a long road. Many of you departed or muted your loyalty to the Boys in Blue. It’s great to have you back. Many of you started turning off your TVs or ignoring Denny on the radio. Viewership is at an all-time high for the Royals, so your sets are tuned in again. Memorabilia has been flying off the shelves and companies are making more and more Royals specific shirts, hats and every other clothing article. So we want to wear our pride; show our love.
It is an incredible time. I will be at Game One of the World Series today. I still am in shock that the Royals are in it. I watch the MLB Network and they are only talking about two teams. TWO TEAMS. And our Royals are one of them. There will be TV sets and crews and stages in and around Kauffman Stadium, and it’s for the World Series, in our town. Those of us that grew up in the 1970s and 80s remember being the epicenter of baseball. We were spoiled. We are back. Take it all in and enjoy it.
God, I hope we win the World Series. I’ve already told my kids that we will make the 4.5 hour trek and cheer wildly along the parade route.
Either way, I hope all of us Royals fans remember this time fondly. Remember the joy that this run has brought to you and maybe it has even pulled your family and friends closer together as you sit on the edge of your seat watching the game. Maybe you have made new friends as you hug, slap hands and scream with random people at the stadium or at a viewing party.
Whatever it is, remember your love of this team and be proud of it. I know that for all of my knowing 43 years there has been one true sports love -- the Kansas City Royals. I have never wavered, never disowned them or been embarrassed of that passion, despite constant grief from many. They have brought me incredible frustration and cause for venting, but they are my team.
So unlike Jerry Maguire when he wrote “The Things We Think and Do Not Say,” be proud and say it. “I love the Royals.”
Go Royals. #TakeTheCrown
