After winning their first World Series title since 1985, the Kansas City Royals are featured on this week’s cover of Sports Illustrated.

After winning their first World Series title since 1985, the Kansas City Royals are featured on this week’s cover of Sports Illustrated.

The Royals were one game away from winning the World Series last year but ultimately ceded the title to the San Francisco Giants. This year, Kansas City bulldozed its way to the championship, often coming from behind late in the game to beat the New York Mets, four games to one.

The series began and ended with marathon extra-innings games, as the Royals clinched their title after a 12-inning contest that didn’t end with a champagne celebration until the early hours of Monday morning. SI’s Tom Verducci describes the formula of grit plus back-to-basics baseball that allowed Kansas City to win the Fall Classic.

This week’s issue also previews the coming college basketball season, including scouting reports, picks for player of the year and details on why SI ranks North Carolina as this year’s No. 1 team.

Sports Illustrated will also publish a commemorative magazine, entirely dedicated to remembering the Royals’ win. New subscribers will receive the commemorative issue plus a World Series champions t-shirt and cap with their subscription. Click here to subscribe.