Advertisement

Kansas City have some unfinished business to sort out in baseball's World Series

The Royals missed out last year but have set their sights on beating the New York Mets in this year's best-of-seven final

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer gets ready for batting practice leading up to game one of the World Series against the New York Mets. Photos: AP

A heartbreaking near miss last year has the Kansas City Royals mindful of unfinished business as they face the New York Mets in the 111th World Series, starting Wednesday morning Hong Kong time.

Advertisement

The Royals have not captured Major League Baseball's best-of-seven final since 1985. The Mets last won the crown in 1986, so one team's title drought will end.

It's a special moment for me after all these years, when this has been your whole life, to finally get to the ultimate series
New York Mets manager Terry Collins

The Mets have not reached a World Series since 2000, while the pain of last year's seventh-game series defeat at the hands of San Francisco lingers for the Royals.

"From the first day of spring training, we expected to be here," said Royals manager Ned Yost.

In the ninth inning of the last game in last year's World Series, Alex Gordon, the Royals' potential tying run, was stranded on third base when Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez flew out to Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval to end the game.

Advertisement

"Ever since that pop-up was caught by Pablo, this has been on our minds," Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer, 26, said.

Advertisement