Sport: Can Nice Guys Finish First?

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Still, the strongest point of the Royals —stronger even than their speed and their pitching—is the simple fact that they are a team. They get along together, play well together, hang around together. In an era of temper tantrums, when the fights in the dressing room are often more interesting than the action on the field, the most disruptive event that occurred on the Royals all year long was Shortstop Patek's missing part of a West Coast road trip. He claimed he was hurt, but a few players suggested he was a hypochondriac. Big deal. With such a mild-mannered crew to boss, Manager Herzog gives his players free rein and has found it necessary to call only one meeting all year long, which must be a league record.

Going into the playoffs, the Royals were producing their best baseball of the season. Swinging free, Amos Otis, who passes as the team's slugger, by last week was hitting .299 and had driven in 95 runs. Says he: "I see which way the flag is blowing and swing accordingly. If it's not blowing, I bunt."

As the days grew shorter and cooler, George Brett—one of the most intensely competitive men on the team—was moving his average up to .295 and playing alertly at third base, where he is one of the best in baseball. He was ready too. "People think we're chokers," he said. "Now is our chance to show them." The fans in Kansas City are waiting—once again.