The Royals enjoyed one last day off before the final series of the year, three home games against California. While an off day before the last series might seem odd, the Royals had not had one since August 25, playing 34 straight days. And thanks to a doubleheader, they played 35 games in those 34 days.

While the Royals had long since been eliminated from the AL West race, they did have a shot to finish as high as fourth place in the AL West. Kansas City was only one game behind fourth-place Chicago, who were set to face the division champion Minnesota Twins in the final series of the year. KC’s opponent, California, was in third place in the division but 24 games behind the Twins. Only two AL West teams had a winning record for the 1969 season (Oakland was the other). And with one win or one Seattle loss, the Royals were assured of not finishing in last place.

Today’s birthdays: Mike McCormick (1938), Steve Busby (1949), Warren Cromartie (1953), Calvin Pickering (1976), Miguel Asencio (1980)