Royals’ billboard game remains strong in 2015

After the Kansas City Royals snapped a 29-year World Series drought in 2014, there’s only one possible outcome that would be considered an improvement in 2015: They have to actually win the World Series. It’s the only step that remains in their return to baseball glory, and fairly or unfairly, that’s where the bar of expectations currently sits two months in advance of the new season.

It will be a difficult task, but as we’ve already seen this week, the Royals have proven they can exceed expectations and raise the bar, even in cases where it seemed impossible.

Of course, we’re referencing their world class billboard promotions, which over the past two seasons have set the standard around the league. This season, they’ve stepped up their game one more time to produce another gem. 

Burning up the basepaths? That’s what speed do! Drive by #Royals billboard on I-35S @ Cambridge Circle. #ForeverRoyal pic.twitter.com/Avsog4QSNW

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 3, 2015

That’s speedster Jarrod Dyson setting the base paths and the billboard itself on fire on his way to another fictional stolen base. It’s a play on the Royals remarkable team speed, which set them apart from the league last season not only as contenders, but as must-see entertainment. The new billboard is the perfect tone setter for what promises to be another exciting season in Kansas City, and it also continues their trend in creativity.   

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Two years ago, the Royals put up billboards on opposite sides of I-35 south of downtown Kansas City. One showed James Shields pitching and the other had Salvador Perez awaiting the pitch, with the baseball appearing to shred the billboard to pieces. 

The @Royals new billboards (with the intentional rip effect) on I-35 in KC are very cool. Via @Angalena #MLBFC pic.twitter.com/RN4c9gFn

— MLB Fan Cave (@MLBFanCave) February 18, 2013

Last season, a sliding Alex Gordon similarly ripped up the billboard on his way to a second straight All-Star selection. 

All three billboard ideas have been completely original and undeniably brilliant, and all three have done their job, which is to create another level buzz around the team. Now it’s up to the Royals to live up to the expectations and put the pressure back on their marketing staff for 2016.  

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813