Yankees, Royals: A Rivalry Renewed

A Look Back at the Historic Rivalry

The New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals have a long and storied rivalry that dates back to the early days of the American League. The two teams have met in the World Series three times, with the Yankees winning in 1976 and 1977 and the Royals winning in 1985. The rivalry has been particularly heated in recent years, with the two teams often battling for the AL Central Division title.

The Early Years

The Yankees and Royals first met in the World Series in 1976. The Yankees won the series in four games, but the Royals gave them a scare, winning the first two games of the series at home. The Royals returned to the World Series the following year and again lost to the Yankees, this time in six games.

The 1980s and 1990s

The rivalry between the Yankees and Royals continued to heat up in the 1980s and 1990s. The two teams met in the ALCS in 1980 and 1985, with the Royals winning both series. The Royals also won the World Series in 1985, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.

The 2000s and 2010s

The Yankees and Royals have continued to battle for the AL Central Division title in recent years. The two teams finished tied for first place in the division in 2014, with the Royals winning the tiebreaker and advancing to the ALDS. The Yankees won the division in 2015 and 2017, while the Royals won the division in 2016.

The Future of the Rivalry

The Yankees and Royals are two of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. The rivalry between the two teams is sure to continue for many years to come. The two teams are scheduled to meet in the regular season in 2023, and they could very well meet again in the playoffs.