Just a year after suffering through a grueling 106-loss season, the Royals are back in the playoffs. Ready to take on the powerhouse Yankees in a best-of-five series, it’s wild thinking how far they’ve come in such a short time. This matchup is not just another series; it’s a throwback to the thrilling battles of the late ’70s when these two teams clashed in some unforgettable playoff moments.  

It’s hard to forget those magical moments for Royals fans – Bobby Witt Jr. was just a 14-year-old kid when he watched his team battle through the playoffs in 2014, reaching the World Series only to come up just short against the Giants in seven nail-biting games. Now, here he is, alongside Salvador Perez, who played such a key role in that 2014 squad. The Royals have tasted the thrill of victory with championships in 1985 and 2015; the hunger to add another title to that legacy is evident.

Bobby Witt Jr. remembers his childhood idol ahead of crucial game

As the Royals make their way from Baltimore to New York for the AL Division Series, Bobby Witt Jr. is getting into the playoff spirit. On the train ride, he’s streaming YouTube, soaking up some classic Derek Jeter highlights from those unforgettable postseason moments. “Have you thought at all about what it’s going to be like to take the same field in a playoff game where Derek Jeter won a World Series?” Bobby Witt Jr. was asked by the reporter. Witt noted that, along with Red Sox standout Dustin Pedroia, Jeter was “his guy” growing up, according to a video uploaded by New York Post Sports. He was deeply impacted by those legends. “A Jeter jersey still hangs in my old room in my parents’ house,” he remarked, sounding nostalgic.

In the opening inning, Witt was on fire, hitting both of the game’s winning runs as the Royals defeated the Orioles 3-1. He’s definitely stepping up when it matters most. Meanwhile, the Yankees come into this series with a first-round bye, but they have other pressures to handle. With Aaron Judge and free-agent-to-be Juan Soto teaming up, they might only get one shot together. The stakes are high and New York fans are eagerly anticipating a title run, craving that first championship since the team’s 27th in 2009.

Players to watch out for in the next game

The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, Gerrit Cole (8-5), takes the mound for the Yankees, bringing his ace-level stuff and playoff experience. He’s known for his ability to dominate hitters, and you can bet he’ll be looking to set the tone early. On the other side, the Royals will counter with Michael Wacha (13-8), who’s had a solid season of his own. He’ll be aiming to keep the potent Yankees lineup in check. Juan Soto, a World Series champion with the Nationals in 2019, is about to embark on an exciting new chapter—his first playoff game in pinstripes

Without a doubt, Judge and Witt are the matchup’s biggest stars because they each bring something explosive to the tournament. With 58 home runs and 144 RBIs, Aaron Judge led the majors in his incredible season while hitting an incredible .322. Bobby Witt Jr. is also generating excitement, leading the majors and complementing his stellar record with 32 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. However, Judge has a lot riding on this postseason; the Yankees have suffered heartbreak in the postseason since he joined the team.

They have lost three times in the ALCS, twice in the ALDS, and once in a wild-card game. Now, it’s up to Judge and his teammates to make the breakthrough and win that championship again. So, do you think Witt and the Royals will pull off another incredible upset, or will Judge finally lead the Yankees back to glory? Share your take below.