by Alan Hoskins
The Kansas City Royals’ greatest baseball team is reuniting for a dynamic “Celebration of Champions.”
Thanks to the Kansas City Baseball Historical Society, nearly every member of the 1985 World Championship team will be on hand for a banquet at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino Thursday, Aug. 20, that will be open to the public.
Six members of the Royals Hall of Fame – George Brett, Frank White, Bret Saberhagen, Dennis Leonard, Hal McRae and Willie Wilson – head the list of 1985 standouts expected to attend. They will be joined by pitchers Danny Jackson, Mike Jones, Charlie Leibrandt, Steve Farr and Bud Black, catcher Jim Sundberg, infielders Steve Balboni, Buddy Biancalana and Greg Pryor and outfielders Lynn Jones, Darryl Motley and Pat Sheridan.
Three other Royals Hall of Famers are also expected, long-time scout Art Stewart, iconic groundskeeper George Toma and outfielder Amos Otis along with three special guests, Mrs. Dan Quisenberry, Mrs. Dick Howser and umpire Don Denkinger. Other past Royals who will attend include Brian McRae, Al Fitzmorris, U.L. Washington and Jay Hankins.
Pre check-in will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. for a reception where guests may meet players and take photos. A banquet buffet will begin about 7 p.m. with Royals players to be seated at various tables with KCBHS attendees. A program with former players reflecting on the 1985 championship season will follow.
Tickets are $75 and can be reserved by sending a check to KCBHS, Celebration of Champions Event, P.O. Box 10568, Kansas City, MO., 64188. Reservations can also be made on-line to [email protected] or by phone at 913-284-9729. However, no reservation will be completed until payment has been received. Non-KCBHS members will receive a free 6-month KCBHS trial membership.