First off, let me just say how extremely proud I am to live in KC! We are (literally) the best team and the best city. This parade totally proved that, as the streets turned blue and cell phone networks shut down. We put the total attendance estimates to shame; about 250,000 people were expected to come, but the KC Royals fans came in clutch and practically tripled that number! So it is no doubt the streets were filled and sidewalk traffic, along with road traffic, was put to a halt for a long time.

Standing in the dense crowds of 800,000 people, it was hard not to talk to people or maybe feel a little claustrophobic. Considering how close everyone is standing, you were practically sniffing their hair, catching yourself trying to figure out what shampoo they use. I personally had a very pleasant experience; people were letting me stand in front of them so I could get better pictures and actually see the players and coaches. Just a couple rows back from the street, I was able see the parade pretty clearly. I got to see my dad’s friend just casually hanging with Cain (where was the invite, dude??), I got to see the Salvador-able MVP, I got to see Rios sitting all by himself (I WILL JOIN YOU!), and I got to see Ned Yost cruising by with the 2015 World Series Trophy!

As I stood there watching the parade go by, several things ran through my mind that I am sure many people can relate to:

1.  “I better delete a couple apps off my phone if I want any pictures”
2.  “My dear Hosmer, you never fail to impress me with your looks”
3. “I should have gotten here earlier”
4.  “Man, I sure hope BenZo’s wife doesn’t go into labor during the parade”
5.  “MOOOSSEEE”
6.  “Salvy, you just always put a smile on my face because you are happy literally 24/7 and totally deserve being the MVP”
7. “All I want right now is food and phone service.”

I couldn’t help but smile as I fought my way down Grand Blvd. because I just felt so proud to grow up in Kansas City and live here as history was made again 30 years later.  It may have been a painful struggle trying to maneuver the streets of KC, but I wouldn’t have it any other way because WE TOOK THE CROWN! I don’t think anyone in Kansas City will ever forget today and we will always be #ForeverRoyal.

(Oh, and the best part of this whole shindig? We get to shove our victory in the Mets’s face next year at our first game and ring ceremony!)

Photo by Savannah Failer