On Thursday, the Kansas City Royals traded longtime starting pitcher and franchise cornerstone Danny Duffy to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Duffy, a California native, is heading back home to play for his hometown team. For many Royals fans, this trade came as a shock and brings some pain.
After all, losing a long-loved player is never easy. Duffy has been with the Royals his entire professional career, being drafted in 2007 out of high school and making his MLB debut in 2011.
Career Outlook
Over his 11-year career in Royal Blue, the “Duffman” became a consistent piece to the pitching staff. He departs the Royals as one of the greatest pitchers to put on a Kansas City uniform.
In Royals franchise history, Duffy ranks sixth in strikeouts, seventh in career starts, eighth in innings pitched, and 11th in career wins. He was a key piece in Kansas City’s playoff runs in 2014 and 2015, winning back-to-back American League Championships and ending the 30-year World Series drought with a title in 2015.
Whether it was winning playoff games in the American League Division and Championship Series out of the bullpen or wearing the Bear Suit in a postgame interview, Duffy created countless memories for Royals fans.
Duffy wanted to be a Royal his entire career and adopted the phrase, “Bury Me A Royal.” He will forever be a Kansas City Royal.
Impact to K.C.
Duffy’s impact goes far beyond the on-field play. He made an impact to the community, donating $1 million to his high school and dedicating himself to multiple charitable organizations, such as Noah’s Bandage Project.
The most memorable action Danny Duffy took came after the tragic loss of Royals young pitcher Yordano Ventura. The day Ventura tragically passed away, Duffy went to Kauffman Stadium to be with Royals fans and console them in the cold, January weather. In addition, Duffy collected meaningful Ventura memorabilia and sent it to Ventura’s mother, Marisol, in the Dominican Republic.
What he did for Ventura’s family and for Royals fans that day showcases the person he really is.
Additionally, in 2019, Duffy opened up about the mental health struggles that he has faced throughout his career. He discussed his depression and anxiety to help others understand that they are not alone.
Conclusion
Danny Duffy is forever a Royal. He has been a consistent piece on the field and an even better person off the field. It pains fans to see that the “Duffman” will not be in Royal Blue for the rest of this season. Kansas City loves Duffy and will miss him immensely.
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