Well done Jason Kander. Loved it all, oddly including the aside about the tear gas training. I was in charge of running such an exercise for my Brigade in 1973. Everybody from the lowliest Private to the Commanding Colonel had to go through the tent*. What most of them did not know was that the first people through were the cadre, myself included, because you had to go through in order to be signed off as completing the traiining, After a day going in and out of the tent, I hopped into my car. It was cold out and the windows were rolled up. I made it about two blocks before pulling over to roll down all windows and turn the car fan on high. Drove home looking like a dog with my head half out the window. Stripped down in the carriage, took multiple showers and washed the cloths about a half dozen times to get the tear gas residue out. Fun times.
* I can neither confirm nor deny that several senior officers and NCOs were given a "professional courtesy" signature of completion. As a second lieutenant you largely do as you are told.
I've only been to KC once, in the summer of '15 on a family trip to see my sister in CO. We stopped at Arthur Bryant's (I think because of Joe's advocacy) and then parked at the riverfront, took the bikes off the car, and rode along the riverfront trail, took an elevator up to Downtown, stopped at the public market, and really enjoyed the afternoon.
In other words, I absolutely recognize the new Kansas City Jason describes. Also, as a Pirates fan, I'm insanely jealous of the Royals' ownership that actually gives a damn.
The thought of Sly James walking naked across Main naked is not a thought for keeping. Let’s hope John Sherman reads this and remembers we are the Kansas City Royals.
Thanks for an informative and enjoyable essay. Please take a moment and think about what it would be like to read something like this from Oakland. Instead of pulling a city up, the A's have spit on Oakland and A's fans. What a waste of an opportunity to help a city and region rise.
I listened to the first - ever Royals game on radio with Buddy Blattner and Denny Matthews. That was in 1969. I have lived in NC for forty years but the Royals are and will forever be my favorite AL team. I think it's time to move on from Denny and embrace the future with no looking back...
I grew up in Topeka, Kansas so I am (somewhat) a fan of the Royals and Chiefs. So I'm glad that they are doing well. On the other hand, I couldn't care less if people think about the city I'm living in, or if we are the topic of conversation. And certainly not because we have good sports teams.
I’m glad that he mentioned that KC people wear all their garb all the time. They really do, even when they all visit another city, and not even one where their team is playing a game.
I’m haven’t thought of the lemonade guy quite awhile. He was truly magnificent!! Thanks for the great reminder of what was the best part of the games in early 2000s.
Well done Jason Kander. Loved it all, oddly including the aside about the tear gas training. I was in charge of running such an exercise for my Brigade in 1973. Everybody from the lowliest Private to the Commanding Colonel had to go through the tent*. What most of them did not know was that the first people through were the cadre, myself included, because you had to go through in order to be signed off as completing the traiining, After a day going in and out of the tent, I hopped into my car. It was cold out and the windows were rolled up. I made it about two blocks before pulling over to roll down all windows and turn the car fan on high. Drove home looking like a dog with my head half out the window. Stripped down in the carriage, took multiple showers and washed the cloths about a half dozen times to get the tear gas residue out. Fun times.
* I can neither confirm nor deny that several senior officers and NCOs were given a "professional courtesy" signature of completion. As a second lieutenant you largely do as you are told.
As a devout Cleveland baseball fan for 68 years, I share your hope and optimism.
I've only been to KC once, in the summer of '15 on a family trip to see my sister in CO. We stopped at Arthur Bryant's (I think because of Joe's advocacy) and then parked at the riverfront, took the bikes off the car, and rode along the riverfront trail, took an elevator up to Downtown, stopped at the public market, and really enjoyed the afternoon.
In other words, I absolutely recognize the new Kansas City Jason describes. Also, as a Pirates fan, I'm insanely jealous of the Royals' ownership that actually gives a damn.
The thought of Sly James walking naked across Main naked is not a thought for keeping. Let’s hope John Sherman reads this and remembers we are the Kansas City Royals.
Thanks for an informative and enjoyable essay. Please take a moment and think about what it would be like to read something like this from Oakland. Instead of pulling a city up, the A's have spit on Oakland and A's fans. What a waste of an opportunity to help a city and region rise.
Great stuff. Optimism must be embraced
Well done Jason, KC is definitrly having a moment. Give my best to Diana.
I listened to the first - ever Royals game on radio with Buddy Blattner and Denny Matthews. That was in 1969. I have lived in NC for forty years but the Royals are and will forever be my favorite AL team. I think it's time to move on from Denny and embrace the future with no looking back...
Everyone knows Omicron Delta XI is the center of the known universe.
The season-ending loss was Thursday. How about fixing the two Wednesday references?
I grew up in Topeka, Kansas so I am (somewhat) a fan of the Royals and Chiefs. So I'm glad that they are doing well. On the other hand, I couldn't care less if people think about the city I'm living in, or if we are the topic of conversation. And certainly not because we have good sports teams.
Great writing and I share your optimism. Go KC.
I’m glad that he mentioned that KC people wear all their garb all the time. They really do, even when they all visit another city, and not even one where their team is playing a game.
I’m haven’t thought of the lemonade guy quite awhile. He was truly magnificent!! Thanks for the great reminder of what was the best part of the games in early 2000s.
Wonderful article!
I am thankful that Kansas City invented football.
Jeez, that guy really knows how to write *well*. Every paragraph was such a pleasure to read!