Royals ended their iPad game addiction to turn their season around

A new story from The Kansas City Star tells the tale of the Royals midseason turning point, which is not an uncommon arc for an MLB team's season to take. What is slightly less common is that the turnaround involved players curbing their love of the mobile game "Clash of Clans."

Extra Mustard | Oct 21, 2014

Royals ended their iPad game addiction to turn their season around /

A new report from The Kansas City Star tells the tale of the Royals midseason turning point, which is not an uncommon arc for an MLB team's season to take. What is slightly less common is that the turnaround involved players curbing their love of the mobile game "Clash of Clans."

The 1985 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals

Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images

George Brett throws to first base during Game 1 of the World Series against St. Louis. The Cardinals won 3-1 at Royals Stadium.

Frank White throws to first as Darrell Porter of the Cardinals slides into second.

Darryl Motley attempts to avoid a tag by John Tudor.

Buddy Biancalana slides to home as Darrell Porter tags him during Game 2. The Royals lost their second consecutive game at home.

Ozzie Smith attempts to turn a double play against the Royals' Steve Balboni. The Cardinals won 4-2.

Frank White crosses home plate after hitting a home run in Game 3. The Royals won 6-1 at Busch Stadium.

Steve Balboni of the Royals catches a pickoff throw during Game 3.

Bud Black pitches against the Cardinals in Game 4, which ended with a Cardinals victory that upped their series lead to 3-1.

Cardinals infielder Tommy Herr throws to first base before George Brett slides into first.

Danny Jackson pitches to the Cardinals during Game 5. The Royals improved their playoff elimination games record to 4-0 with the win.

Cardinals catcher Darrell Porter reaches to tag Jim Sundberg.

George Brett watches the ball after a hit against the Cardinals. He had previously been named the ALCS MVP for his performance against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Willie Wilson bats against the Cardinals. The outfielder hit .367 in the World Series.

Lonnie Smith argues with home plate umpire Jim Quick during Game 6 against the Cardinals.

George Brett bats against the St. Louis Cardinals. He finished with a batting average of .370 in the World Series.

Jim Sundberg celebrates after scoring a run to win Game 6. The Royals scored two runs in the 9th to win 2-1 and tie the series.

Catcher Jim Sundberg celebrates on the field after scoring the game-winning run in Game 6.

The scoreboard at Royals Stadium announces Game 7 after the Royals beat the Cardinals 2-1 to tie the series.

Third baseman George Brett makes a diving catch in Game 7.

Bret Saberhagen throws during the final game of the World Series. The 21-year-old finished the season with a 20-6 record.

Bret Saberhagen and George Brett celebrate after Saberhagen pitched an 11-0 shutout in Game 7 to win the World Series. He was named the series MVP for his wins in Game 3 and Game 7.

The Royals celebrate winning the World Series after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit.

Royals fans rush the field after the Royals defeated the Cardinals in Game 7.

Royals pitcher Joe Beckwith douses Geroge Brett with champagne after winning the World Series.

Reggie Jackson interviews manager Dick Howser during the World Series Trophy presentation after Game 7.

Thousands of fans line the streets of downtown Kansas City during the Royals' victory parade.

Royals first base coach Rusty Kuntz said seeing players hunched over their tablets immediately before and after games was becoming a common sight in the locker room.

When Kuntz walked inside the room, he saw a scene that had become all too familiar in recent weeks: a collection of Royals with their heads down, eyes locked on their iPads. The game was called “Clash of Clans,” and for a period of time this summer, its excessive usage by members of this club exasperated the coaching staff.

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The game spread throughout the clubhouse after being introduced to outfielder Lorenzo Cain at the beginning of the season, but a players-only meeting led by veteran Raul Ibañez served to get the players' focus off their screens and back onto the field, with the results being apparent in the team's undefeated run through the playoffs to a World Series berth.

- Brendan Maloy

Published Oct 21, 2014

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