KANSAS CITY, Missouri-
If it weren’t for the vastly different uniforms, you might have had a hard time distinguishing between teammates and rivals before game six of the World Series.
As the Giants and Royals warmed up on the field an hour before the game, opponents were exchanging friendly words, handshakes, pats on the back and hugs.
“We enjoy competing, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to compete,” said Giants outfielder Hunter Pence, explaining the camaraderie.
“You’re playing against the best team in the other league,” added Giants pitcher Tim Hudson. “You know that there’s a lot of talent over there. And you have to respect them.”
The Giants were understandably in a good mood before game six, up three-games-to-two in the best-of-seven series.
Outside the Royals’ dugout, Kansas City infielder Johnny Giavotella echoed back the respect, but with the voice of a man whose World Series dreams were on the line.
“I think both teams are very similar in the way we come about our business, the style of play that we have,” Giavotella told FOX40. “At the same time, when we approach the field, they’re our worst enemy. We’re coming out there ready to give them all that they can handle. And in order for them to beat us, they’ve gotta’ bring their best game.”
“For me, this is the way the World Series used to be when the teams never played each other (during the regular season),” said Giants broadcaster, Jon Miller, who pointed out that the only recent history between the Giants and Royals was a three-game series in August. “There was nothing that came out of that series. There was no bad blood.”
The friendliness on the field has largely carried over into the stands. FOX40 spoke with many World Series ticket-holders who were enjoying the fans of the opposite team.
“Everybody was super,” said John Hein who just came home to Kansas City from San Franciso. “Had no problems at all.”
Ben Taylor from the Bay Area, visiting Kauffman Stadium for the first time, was gushing about the reception he received from the Kansas City faithful.
“We had Royals fans running across the street to shake our hands, and welcome us to their ballpark,” Taylor said.
“You’ve got some hungry fans here in Kansas City that haven’t had a championship in a long time,” said Hudson. “They’re very excited to be here. But our fans in San Francisco, you can’t beat them.”
Fans of both teams have now had an equal taste of victory in this World Series after the Royals’ lopsided 10-0 victory Tuesday night.
It all comes down to Game 7, Wednesday night, airing on FOX at 5 p.m.
