Of course, every Royal fan worth their salt knows what 1985 meant. In leading the club to their first World Series title, Manager Dick Howser employed a tight roster all season. The club only used 35 players the entire season (14 pitchers and 21 position players). By comparison, the 2022 Royals used 55 different players, including an astounding 29 pitchers and 26 position players.
The 1985 Royals were the epitome of a veteran team and roster spots were hard to come by. Only two rookies made their debut in 1985. There were also four veterans who were in their first (and for some, their only) season in Kansas City.