Kansas City was home to the most famous Negro League team, the Kansas City Monarchs. More recently, it was home of the New York Yankees top Minor League franchise all abuzz as the Philadelphia Athletics decided to make Kansas City their new home.

When the A's finally made their home debut, 32,844 excited fans turned out to watch them beat the Detroit Tigers 8-2. There was not much winning that first year, as the Athletics finished in sixth place with a 63-91 record.