The Kansas City Royals have won 18 of their past 22 games entering Tuesday since inheriting the Rally Mantis as an unofficial dugout talisman. After the first one passed on to insect heaven, its winning ways were reborn into Rally Mantis Jr., who travels with the team across America in its own portable habitat.
Of course, the critter's popularity is now being monopolized by the Royals, who are selling Rally Mantis memorabilia at a steep price as the club is in the midst of an improbable wild-card chase.
So these are now being sold at Kauffman Stadium. Sticker price: $44.99 pic.twitter.com/bHHqegxH4z
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) August 30, 2016
#Royals #RallyMantis plush toy being sold at Kauffman Stadium. Yours for $15 @KCStar @Royals pic.twitter.com/FKauHOEKKz
— John Sleezer (@jsleezer) August 30, 2016
Didn't even have to wait for game time!!! And we found a king! #RallyMantis @Royals #DadMantis #MantisCrew pic.twitter.com/TI57V9iIE3
— HungryKC (@hungrykc) August 31, 2016
For any Royals fans out there (or praying mantis lovers) who want to save some money, you can buy the mask from Archie McPhee & Co. for $27.50.
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If the defending World Series champions can find a way into the postseason and pull off the unthinkable repeat, Rally Mantis may find its way into Royals lore much like that of the Cardinals Rally Squirrel which was immortalized on their 2011 championship rings.