Although I was born and raised in the large city to the East in Missouri, my heart clearly belongs to Kansas City. This is where I completed my training and also become a fanatic of the city’s teams. Unfortunately, despite its loyal fans, K.C. often has been treated harshly by its franchises. Now, during the dead period in the NFL while coaches and players are vacationing prior to initiation of training camp, is an excellent time to review Kansas City sports history.

The Kansas City Monarchs were probably the city’s first major sports franchise, operating in the Negro Leagues from 1920-1930, and then barnstorming until being disbanded in 1965. The Monarchs were a successful franchise and were the home to stars like Ernie Banks, Larry Doby, Sachel Paige and, of course, Buck O’Neil.

Seeking a new home after wearing out their welcome in Philadelphia, the dreadful Athletics moved to K.C. in 1955. During their tenure from 1955-1967, the A’s were the doormats of the American League. In the late 50’s, they traded for a promising right fielder named Roger Maris whom they traded to the Yankees in 1959 for three players in the twilights of their Yankee careers (Hank Bauer, Don Larson and Marv Thornberry). In 1960, the A’s were purchased by insurance magnet Charlie Finley. Mr Finley attempted to move the A’s in 1962 to Dallas, finally succeeding in 1967 moving to Oakland. In the meantime, he made a mockery of baseball by moving fences in and out, using colored baseballs and creating a mascot mule named Charlie O.

Thanks to the work of Missouri Senator Stuart Symington, as well as the civic pride of Ewing Kauffman, the Royals were born in 1969. Behind an innovative, insightful and passionate owner, the Royals ascended the standings of the American League, reaching the playoffs, the World Series in 1980 and becoming World Champions in 1985. Unfortunately, the untimely death of Mr. Kaufman plus the expansion of free agents left the Royals a rudderless ship. Payroll was cut and potential stars like Johnny Damon, Jermaine Dye, Kevin Appier, and Carlos Beltran were traded rather than signed to long-term contracts. Now, under the ownership of David Glass, the Royals have had one winning season since 1993, and have had multiple 100-loss seasons. They have seen other small market franchises (Tampa Bay, Milwaukee, Oakland, and Minnesota) pass them by. Despite a remodeled Kauffman (an investment of over 250million by the people of Kansas City ) the Royals (except Zach Greinke) remain a morbid franchise.

Other franchises have shared in their disdain for Kansas City. The expansion Scouts of the NHL lasted all of two years prior to moving to Denver. The Scouts were a collection of castoffs and played in the difficult Smyth Division. During their first year, they played nine of their first 10 games on the road due to the American Royal sharing Kemper Arena.

The Kansas City-Omaha Kings were a vagabond franchise which landed in K.C in 1972, leaving for Sacramento in 1985. Originally founded in Rochester as the Royals, their history included a stop in Cincinnati. The Kings were an uninspiring group with the exception of one mega-star — Nate “Tiny” Archibald. The placement of Kemper in the stockyards away from downtown K.C  helped seal the fate of this franchise.

This brings us to the darlings of K.C — the Chiefs. Founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as the Dallas Texans, the team moved to K.C in 1963, primarily to avoid competition from the Cowboys. The Chiefs immediately captivated the city winning immediately and winning the Super Bowl in 1970. Unfortunately, Mr. Hunt and “The Mentor” Hank Stram stayed too loyal to the old players, resulting in a rapid decline in the 70’s. The Chiefs floundered throughout the 80ss under the guidance of Team President Jack Steadman and Generla Manager Jim Schaff. The late 80’s signaled the arrival of Carl Peterson, Marty Schottenheimer, and Derrick Thomas, and, yes, winning. Although the Chiefs never reached the Super Bowl, they were a dominating franchise creating, along with fans, Arrowhead Magic.

Recently the Chiefs were allowed to grow old by Dick Vermeil and Peterson, and then completed laid to waste by Herm Edwards.

Why does Kansas City deserve better? Because the city and its citizens have stepped up to the plate, refurbishing Kaufman and Arrowhead and having the vision to build the Sprint Center. Kansas City has suffered through the exploits of the A’s, the Scouts and the Kings. Now, for the first time they are suffering through both the Royals and the Chiefs hitting rock bottom at the same time. Nonetheless, Kansas City sports fans continue to stand by their teams. Isn’t it time that those teams rewarded such loyalty?

WE DESERVE BETTER.