<P> The Royals began play in 1969 in Kansas City, Missouri . In their inaugural game, on April 8, 1969, the Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins 4--3 in 12 innings . </P> <P> The team was quickly built through a number of trades engineered by its first General Manager, Cedric Tallis, including a trade for Lou Piniella, who won the Rookie of the Year during the Royals' inaugural season, center fielder Amos Otis, who became the team's first great star, first baseman John Mayberry, who provided power, second baseman Cookie Rojas, shortstop Fred Patek, designated hitter Hal McRae, and others . The Royals also invested in a strong farm system and soon developed such future stars as pitchers Paul Splittorff, Dennis Leonard, and Steve Busby, infielders George Brett and Frank White, and outfielder Al Cowens . </P> <P> In 1971, the Royals had their first winning season, with manager Bob Lemon leading them to a second - place finish . In 1973, under manager Jack McKeon, the Royals adopted their iconic "powder blue" road uniforms and moved from Municipal Stadium to the brand - new Royals Stadium (now known as Kauffman Stadium). </P> <P> The 1973 All - Star Game was hosted at Royals Stadium, with Otis and Mayberry in the AL starting lineup . The event was previously held at Municipal Stadium in 1960, when the Athletics were based in Kansas City . </P>

Where did the royals play before kauffman stadium