Let me take a moment to be sappy about the Royals

I moved to the Kansas City area in 2001.
I didn't really care about the Royals at all until about 2004, when a co-worker of mine and I would give each other the raspberries about any Royals-Twins series.

See, I grew up thinking Kirby Puckett was the most awesome guy ever.
Then, I loved Corey Koskie, because he was the Twins' thirdbaseman and that was my base when I played softball.
And by then we had Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau playing for the Twinkies, so we all know I just got swept off my feet.

I didn't want to like the Royals. Ugh, the Royals. What kind of name is Billy Butler? What kind of weirdo is Zach Greinke?

But then, I went to a few games at Kauffman. Man, the K is one of the best ball fields in the MLB. How can you not love a game there?

And at that time, the Royals still had awesome players like David DeJesus, who simply looked like he was having a ball every time he played.
I began to appreciate Billy Butler, because he was the only Royals player to choose a country song for his introduction. And damn, it was so obvious he loved playing for Kansas City.

So, I bought a Royals hat.

I saw more games at the K. And would post about it on Facebook.

I bought a Royals shirt. And then another one. And then I wanted to buy, like 5.

Actually, this one I tried to permanently borrow from my friend. She noticed.

I dressed up in Royals gear for my pre-marathon costumed run in Ireland.

I didn't even realize it, but I had become a full-blown Royals fan. Those boys in blue just grow on ya. You can't help but love them, especially when you are me, who roots for the underdog everytime. Unless it's the Olympics. Then it's USA all the way. Except when Mo Farrah got back to back golds on the 5 and 10k. But that was just amazing.

So, there I was, getting excited when we were in first place for a moment, hoping my dad's Tigers would choke (damnit, Joe Nathan never lets his team down).

And I sat, glued to the TV for 3.5 hours last night (missed the first half of the game). It was late, innings 10 and 11 left the winning run on 3rd. At that point, I usually just go to bed. But I couldn't. I couldn't walk out on the Royals. They were playing so hard. Brandon Finnegan had become my new favorite player (if only I had been that cool under pressure at 21 - TWENTY ONE!). I couldn't bear to watch, but I couldn't bear to leave.

Then ... it happened. WIN!!!!! I wanted to be at the K celebrating with everyone else. Hugging strangers. At least I hope that happened.

Guess what guys, I'm a total sap now, because I am going to use the Royals sappy catch phrase:

I believe.

Sigh. I totally believe. Let's go have a Cinderella moment. She wore blue, too, ya know.