The Kansas City Royals taught us all a lesson or two over the past couple years. They’ve gone from not being in the World Series since 1985 to being part of it two years in a row and taking home the crown in 2015. They filled our town with new life and relit a spark that went out long ago. To say the least, the Royals have been the big, blue highlight in our lives lately, and they’ve even had a positive influence on moms and kids in the Kansas City area.
Although I put in my best efforts, day in and day out, to teach my children strong morals, important lessons and kind behavior, there are always lessons that are better taught through experience. Whether that experience be personal or experienced through an underdog sea of blue jerseys, hotdogs in hand, shouting, “Let’s go Royals!” Here are all the things the Kansas City Royals did an impeccable job of teaching my children.
Sometimes the impossible really is possible.
If you hadn’t heard of Royals’ rookie Brett Eibner, chances are you knew his name by May of this year. Trailing 7-1 to the White Sox in the ninth inning with the first batter struck out, the Royals statistically had a 0.1 chance of winning. Eibner helped get them started on base in the ninth, and with two out, he eventually hit the walk-off single, getting the nearly impossible victory. And thus, Eibner helped show my children that even when half your fans have stopped cheering and no one thinks you can pull it off, you can.
Nothing is ever over until it’s over.
You think that Royals fans would know by now to never leave a stadium or turn off the TV until the game has officially ended. I cannot count the amount of times we’ve gone two, three, four innings into extra innings or thought there was absolutely no way we could come back to win. Time after time after time, the Royals have continued to show not only my children, but me as well, that nothing is ever truly over until it’s over. I finally understand my own parents’ old-school saying: don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Because anything can happen.
Even when you’re on opposite sides, show compassion and class to others.
Salvador Perez is an honest and inspirational example of that. In the past few games alone, there have been two instances where a player on the opposing team has tipped a ball off the bat and straight into his own face. Perez’s reaction is to immediately forfeit his catcher stance and make sure the batter is all right. Thanks, Salvy, for showing my kids the right way to treat people, regardless of which side they’re on.
No one’s hardwork is a fluke.
Eric Hosmer said it best in his article, No Fluke. As mothers, we tell our children they are unique and talented and what they do matters, but our children often shrug it off, knowing we’d tell them that no matter what. Even when they work to prove themselves in whatever area they may be passionate about, there are still times when kids just don’t feel good enough or get the recognition they may deserve. I appreciate Hosmer for reminding my children that, “When you have your back against the wall, and are facing adversity — that’s when you find out who you really are.”
Good things come to those who never give up.
Whether it be waiting 30 years to win the World Series or getting to the last possible game of the final showdown in 2014 and heading home with a one-point loss, the Royals proved in 2015 that they were still not giving up. Sometimes you fall 100 times, and other times you’re right at the finish line but don’t quite make it across. Regardless, the Royals created a prime example to show my children that if you just keep trying, you will eventually succeed.
Occasionally, there is a valid excuse to stay up past bedtime.
Whether you’re a kid or grown adult, sleep is important if you want to function well. But especially as a parent, bedtime is often the one thing I have some control over. When I’m stuck in a pattern, it can be difficult to see that letting go and going against the grain is sometimes just what my family needs. Although it occasionally made for long days at work and ornery toddlers, I appreciate that keeping myself awake –and sometimes letting the kids stay up – to watch the Royals win taught us being a little tired is worth a great experience from time to time.
Other Kansas City moms Weigh In on the Royals
The Royals are a fun topic here at Kansas City Moms Blog, and several of our local mothers and contributors also had something to say about what the Royals taught their children.
“Kansas City is more than just flyover country –it’s a home we can be proud of.” –Tonya Blythe, KCMB Co-Founder & Owner
“Even 30 years of losses can’t prevent you from being the best in the world.” –Amber Dawkins, Contributor
“I’m not sure what the lesson is, but it’s the feeling we felt at the World Series parade. We walked almost two miles and couldn’t see a thing except the tens of thousands of people. It’s that feeling you can’t recreate of all those people in the same place feeling the same things.” –Sarah McGinnity, KCMB Co-Owner
“There were so many times last season I either turned off the TV, thinking they would lose, or left it on but felt so grumpy and tried not to watch. And then they almost always rallied! So now, I have learned to never quit on those guys before it’s over, and I think that’s spilled over into my parenting, too.” –Jenna Brack, Contributor
“Sometimes, the best way to celebrate life is to strap on your best goggles and shake a bottle of champagne all over the place.” –Amber Dawkins, Contributor
What have the Kansas City Royals taught you over the years?
That’s great! I love that you found such huge lessons from baseball! My kids might have not learned nearly as much by attending an Orioles game this year. 🙂
Thanks, Theresa! It’s been a rollercoaster ride for baseball in our town, for sure!