What Is 1987 Kansas City Royals baseball team

Overview

The 1987 Kansas City Royals season marked a downturn in performance compared to their World Series championship just two years prior in 1985. After winning the AL pennant and the World Series in 1985, expectations were high, but the team failed to maintain momentum under challenging circumstances.

Playing at Royals Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, the team finished with a 78–84 record, placing fourth in the American League West division. This was their first losing season since 1980, reflecting a combination of aging stars, inconsistent pitching, and managerial changes.

• 78–84 record: The Royals ended the season with a losing record, their first since 1980, falling 12 games behind the division-winning Oakland Athletics.
• Dick Howser’s departure: Manager Dick Howser began the season but stepped down in May due to a brain tumor diagnosis, later passing away in June 1987.
• John Wathan took over: Bench coach John Wathan became interim manager and led the team for the remainder of the season.
• George Brett’s performance: At age 33, star third baseman George Brett hit .301 with 21 home runs and 80 RBIs, remaining a consistent offensive force.
• Bret Saberhagen’s struggles: The 1985 Cy Young winner posted a 4.84 ERA in 1987, a significant drop from his dominant previous seasons.

Performance Breakdown

The 1987 Royals experienced mixed results across key statistical categories, with offensive production outpacing a weak pitching staff. While the lineup showed flashes of brilliance, the team’s defense and bullpen faltered under pressure.

• Team batting average of .265: The Royals ranked 8th in the American League, supported by strong performances from Hal McRae and Lonnie Smith.
• 176 home runs: Kansas City hit more long balls than the previous season, with 21 from George Brett and 20 from Steve Balboni.
• ERA of 4.58: The pitching staff struggled, with the starting rotation failing to replicate prior-year dominance.
• Wally Joyner at first base: Acquired mid-season, Joyner provided a spark but only played 47 games due to injury.
• Relief pitching issues: Closer Jeff Montgomery was a rookie, and the bullpen posted a 4.72 ERA, among the league’s worst.
• Attendance decline: Royals Stadium saw a drop to an average of 25,670 fans per game, down from 1985’s peak of over 30,000.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1987 Royals compared to their 1985 championship team across key metrics:

The table highlights a significant decline in overall performance from 1985 to 1987. While power hitting improved, pitching and leadership instability contributed to the team’s fall from contention. The emotional toll of Howser’s illness also affected team morale throughout the season.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season serves as a pivotal transition year in Royals history, marking the end of their championship core’s dominance and the beginning of a rebuilding phase. It underscored the challenges of sustaining success in Major League Baseball.

• End of a championship era: The 1987 season signaled the decline of the Royals’ late-1980s powerhouse team built around George Brett.
• Managerial legacy: Dick Howser’s battle with illness and posthumous Hall of Fame recognition added emotional weight to the season.
• Player transitions: The team began shifting toward younger talent, setting the stage for the 1990s roster changes.
• Statistical decline: A rising ERA and falling win total illustrated the growing gap between the Royals and AL elite teams like Oakland.
• Fan engagement: Decreased attendance reflected waning public enthusiasm after the post-championship high.
• Historical context: The season is remembered more for its emotional narrative than on-field success, highlighting baseball’s human element.

The 1987 Kansas City Royals may not stand out in terms of wins, but they remain a significant chapter in the franchise’s story, illustrating how teams evolve through triumph, adversity, and transition.