Top 100 & KC Connections: 41—50

41. Pedro Martinez • P • 1992—2009

Made one start at Kauffman Stadium each year from '98-'02, and the Red Sox won all five games. Pedro had a 2.19 ERA with 39 Ks and 5 walks allowed in those games.

42. Kid Nichols • P • 1890—1906

Moved to KC at around 12 years of age and spent four seasons playing for KC minor league teams (1887-88, 1902-03). Combining those four seasons, Nichols had a 2.32 ERA and an 81-33 record. Was a co-owner, manager, and pitcher for the 1902 & '03 KC Blue Stockings. Remained a KC resident throughout his life, where he owned bowling allies and a theater after retiring from baseball. 

43. Roberto Clemente • RF • 1955—1972

The Pirates played an exhibition against the Royals in Kansas City in 1970, but I don't know whether Clemente played or not. There was a posthumous tribute to him at the KC-hosted '73 All-Star Game.

44. Carl Yastrzemski • LF • 1961—1983

Lots of trips to KC: Faced the A's at Municipal 59 times, the Royals at Municipal 19 times, and 55 games at Royal Stadium.

45. Bob Gibson • P • 1959—1975

46. Cal Ripken, Jr. • SS • 1981—2001

102 games at Royals/Kauffman Stadium.

47. Johnny Bench • C • 1967—1983

Hit one of the longest home runs in Royals/Kauffman Stadium history at the '73 All-Star Game.

48. Eddie Mathews • 3B • 1952—1968

Started the '60 All-Star Game at Municipal, then sneaked in three regular season games in KC against the A's in 1967 during his brief stint in the AL.

49. George Brett • 3B • 1973—1993

Yeah.

50. Wade Boggs • 3B • 1982—1999

Royals Stadium was one of his most common places to visit, where he played 91 games and hit slightly worse than usual.