“We’re sitting here talking about practice, not a game, not a game, not a game, but we’re talking about practice.” –Allen Iverson

Yes AI, we are talking about practice. Iverson was right about one thing; the games are what really matter and maybe practice really doesn’t make perfect. However, what Iverson didn’t understand is that the way you play in practice, is the way you play in a game.

For the past three weeks the Royals have been in Surprise, Arizona getting ready for the season to start by playing in practice games for spring training. During those three weeks, the Royals have piled up thirteen wins and just one loss, which lead all other teams in spring training.

With the Royals newly acquired pitching and all of the young talent, this team looks like they could make a run in the regular season. With all the success in the past few weeks, the Royals are gaining a winning mentality needed to win in the regular season. The Royals need to go play with the mindset that they are going to win every game, not with the mentality where they are trying to not lose.

As a team, the Royals are playing very well; however, there are a few individuals who are really standing out from the rest. Kansas City left fielder, Alex Gordon is currently leading the league in batting average with a video game-like number of .520. Gordon’s long time teammate, Billy Butler is also at the top of the league in statistics, currently in fourth place in RBIs with eleven.

As the Royals spring training continues and eventually the regular season begins, we will see if the Royals can continue all of their early success. But with all of the talent and success so far, the Royals look to be a contender in the American League Central.

Practice doesn’t make perfect, but you play in games like you do in practice.

Vince Lombardi, who the Super Bowl trophy is named after, summed it up pretty well when he said, “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.”