On Tuesday night, the Kansas City Royals will face the Milwaukee Brewers, but this is not just any inter-league matchup. Lorenzo Cain will be suiting up to play his former team for the first time.
Cain will definitely get a warm reception from the Kansas City fans and will likely get a standing ovation before his first plate appearance.
Kansas City fans always give former Royals players a nice welcome back to Kansas City — with the exception of Jose Bautista — and Tuesday night will be no different.
Cain was a big fan favorite in Kansas City and is considered to be one of the best outfielders to ever wear a Royals jersey.
It’s all thanks to a trade that sent one of the best pitchers in the game to Milwaukee. Cain, as well as shortstop Alcides Escobar, came into the organization after the Royals dealt 2009 Cy Young winner Zack Greinke to the Brewers.
At the time this trade made absolutely no sense, but the trade worked out extremely well for the Royals considering the fact that Greinke wanted out of Kansas City anyway.
Cain was such an important piece of the Royals’ success in the playoff years, and he made spectacular plays to keep the opposing offense of the bases. Cain made spectacular plays in the outfield, and he dazzled fans with his classic lean back homers.
His defense was incredible to watch, and his wins above replacement was one of the highest in the American League. There were nights where it looked like he could cover every part of the outfield.
The biggest game that he had was in game one of the ALDS vs. the Los Angeles Angels, where he made two spectacular catches that set the tone for the Royals sweep of the Angels.
No matter where Lorenzo Cain plays he will always be a legend in Kansas City.
Cody Friesen is a junior in human development and family science.The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian.Please send comments to opinion@kstatecollegian.com.
