It took 29 long years for the Kansas City Royals and their fans to enjoy a postseason bid, but the wait was well worth it. Last October, Kansas City became a Cinderella team for the ages as they went from trailing by four runs in the seventh inning of their wild card game against the Oakland A’s into American League champions. A seven-game loss to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series could not tarnish a historic season in Kansas City. And last week, the Royals rewarded the field general of their resurgence, manager Ned Yost with a contract extension.
Yosted No More
Yost has had plenty of detractors through the years and is known for some rather bizarre managerial moves. But he has also proven to be a steady leader and developer of young talent. Both during his time as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, and then next with the Royals, he inherited massive rebuilding projects with rosters that were young, raw, and talented. Yost proved to be patient and with the willingness to endure several years of losing in return for a final payoff.
He fell just short at Milwaukee where he was fired with two weeks to go as the Brewers made the National League playoffs in 2008 after cutting him loose. There seemed to be several close calls at Kansas City where his job was hanging in the balance. But in the end Yost became the manager of a World Series team. It made for a sweet validation of his managerial credentials and ability.
Two More Years
Yost is now locked into his managerial duties with the Royals through the 2016 season. He was hunting in Georgia when it was announced that he was extended.
Yost has no plans on slowing down any time soon, so long as the Royals are winning.
“Just as long as we’re having success,” said Yost in regards to his tenure. “We’ve got a great group of people that I really enjoy working with, from the players to the front office. So long as I’m enjoying it and able to give 100 percent. As long as I’m able to do that and we’re having success as an organization, that’s going to make it real easy.”
History was Made
Yost became the first manager in baseball history to win his first eight consecutive post season games managed. He is the longest serving manager in Royals history.
“Ned’s done a terrific job,” said Kansas City General manager Dayton Moore. “Ned brought a lot of hope and optimism. Ned’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever worked with. I can’t say enough about how he managed the team and related to our fan base.”
Royals fever is back in KC thanks in large part to their vindicated manager Ned Yost. It was well worth the wait for all concerned.
