| 2009 Kansas City Royals | ||
|---|---|---|
| League | American League | |
| Division | Central | |
| Ballpark | Kauffman Stadium | |
| City | Kansas City, Missouri | |
| Record | 65–97 (.401) | |
| Divisional place | tied for 4th | |
| Owners | David Glass | |
| General managers | Dayton Moore | |
| Managers | Trey Hillman | |
| Television | Fox Sports Kansas City (Ryan Lefebvre, Bob Davis, Paul Splittorff, Frank White) | |
| Radio | KCSP 610 AM (Denny Matthews, Ryan Lefebvre, Steve Stewart, Bob Davis) | |
| ||
The 2009 Kansas City Royals season was the 41st season for the franchise, and their 39th at Kauffman Stadium. The season began on April 7 with a game against the Chicago White Sox at U. S. Cellular Field, which Chicago won.[1] On April 10, the Royals hosted the New York Yankees in the first game at the newly renovated Kauffman Stadium for the Royals' home opener.[2] Interleague opponents included the St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates.[2]
The Royals looked to improve on their 2008 record of 75–87 and sought their first playoff appearance since 1985, as manager Trey Hillman returned for his second season with Kansas City. The Royals' payroll for the 2009 season was $70.5 million, approximately 25 percent higher than their 2008 payroll (and 21st in the major leagues).[3][4][5]
There was much optimism for the Royals heading into the season, with some experts saying they had the potential reach the postseason.[6][7] After a strong start and 18–11 record, the Royals suffered several losing streaks and fell back to a losing record, finishing with a dismal 65-97 record.
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