The 2015 World Series banner (right) stands next to the Royals' first banner from 1985

The 2015 World Series banner (right) stands next to the Royals’ first banner from 1985

The sold out crowd at Kauffman Stadium was treated to something a generation of fans had never seen before…a championship banner raised.  That all changed Sunday night as the club celebrated their 2015 World Series title with class.

Of course there were video highlights of the Royals’ magical run during the postseason, but the club even paid tribute to the Mets with a quick video montage of their season.  There were also awards presentations.  The Silver Slugger Award was presented to designated hitter Kendrys Morales, and Gold Gloves to catcher Salvador Perez, shortstop Alcides Escobar and first baseman Eric Hosmer.

The biggest and longest cheer occurred as local firefighters Dan Werner and Chris Anderson did the honors; they survived a deadly fire and a building collapse that claimed the lives last October of two of their fellow firefighters.

The new banner will fly next to the 1985 World Series championship flag beyond the Royals Hall of Fame building in left field.

After the extended ceremonies, the Royals got down to business and opened 2016 with a 4-3 win over the Mets.

The Mets did their best to turn the tables on the champs.  With the Royals leading 4-0, New York rallied for three runs off Joakim Soria in the eighth, and runners on the corners with one out against Wade Davis in the ninth. He struck out David Wright and Yoenis Cespedes to seal the win.

Edinson Volquez allowed just two hits and three walks while striking out five in six innings in his win over Matt Harvey, who allowed four runs,  three earned, on eight hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings.

“I like to enjoy the show,” Volquez said after the game. “Enjoy the time, I did the best I could,”