The 1971 Kansas City Royals season was their third in Major League Baseball. The Royals had the first winning season (85-76) in franchise history, good enough for second place in the American League West and 16 games behind the Oakland Athletics. Kansas City earning a winning record in its third season was the second fastest of any expansion club in Major League Baseball history up to that point, the 1962 Los Angeles Angels achieved a winning record in their second season. The record would stand until the 1999 Arizona Diamondbacks won the National League West title in their second season. Offseason February 2, 1971: Ellie Rodríguez was traded by the Royals to the Milwaukee Brewers for Carl Taylor. Prior to 1971 season: Gary Lance was signed as an amateur free agent by the Royals. Regular season Season standings Record vs. opponents Notable transactions May 11, 1971: Tom Matchick was traded by the Royals to the Milwaukee Brewers for Ted Savage. June 8, 1971: George Brett was drafted by the Royals in the 2nd round of the 1971 Major League Baseball draft. Roster Player stats Batting Starters by position Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Other batters Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Pitching Starting pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Other pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Relief pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Farm system LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Elmira, GCL Royals Notes References 1971 Kansas City Royals at Baseball Reference 1971 Kansas City Royals at Baseball Almanac Kansas City Royals seasons Kansas City Royals season Kansas City