Ewing Kauffman was a successful businessman and philanthropist who also had a passion for baseball. He was the founder and owner of the Kansas City Royals, a Major League Baseball team, from their inception in 1969 until his death in 1993.
Kauffman was born in Missouri in 1916 and grew up playing baseball. He attended the University of Missouri and later served in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he started a pharmaceutical company called Marion Laboratories, which became very successful.
In the 1960s, Kauffman became interested in bringing a Major League Baseball team to Kansas City. He was instrumental in securing an expansion franchise for the city, and the Royals played their first game in 1969. Kauffman was known for his hands-on approach to running the team, and he was involved in many aspects of its operations.
Under Kauffman's ownership, the Royals had a successful run in the 1970s and 1980s. They won the American League pennant in 1980 and went on to play in the World Series, although they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies. The team also won several division titles during this time.
Kauffman was known for his commitment to the community and his philanthropic efforts. He established the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which supports education and entrepreneurship initiatives. He also donated millions of dollars to various causes in Kansas City.
Kauffman died in 1993 at the age of 76. His legacy lives on through the Royals and the foundation that bears his name. The team continues to play in Kauffman Stadium, which was named in his honor.
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