1977 Opening Day Royals Stadium Debut

Lore & Background

The Kansas City Royals began play in 1969. Wally Bunker was the Royals’ first Opening Day starting pitcher on April 8, 1969, against the Minnesota Twins. The Royals have played in two home ball parks. They played in Municipal Stadium from 1969 through 1972. In 1973, the team moved to Royals Stadium (later renamed to Kauffman Stadium in 1993).

In Their Own Story

The morning sun glinted off the pristine green grass, illuminating the white lines of a diamond that had never hosted an official game. George Brett stood in the on-deck circle, the weight of history pressing lightly on his shoulders as he watched the crowd swell into the stands. The roar was different here—cleaner, louder, filled with the electric promise of a future finally taking root.

Reader's Guide

The Royals have played 24 Opening Day games at Royals Stadium/Kauffman Stadium, with starting pitchers having ten wins, ten losses, and four no decisions. The first game at Royals Stadium was on April 11, 1977. The stadium has always been an open-air stadium.

Did You Know?

• Kevin Appier has the most Opening Day starts for the Royals, with seven, including six consecutive from 1992 to 1997.
• Bud Black is the only Royals pitcher who has won more than one Opening Day start, with a record of 2–1.
• The Royals have used 25 different Opening Day starting pitchers in their 52 seasons.