Kansas City, Mo. ? Today will be a day of nostalgia when the Royals mark their home opener and a key date in this town’s sports history.

Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch will be Gus Zernial, the starting left fielder 50 years ago this month when the Athletics — newly relocated from Philadelphia — played their first game in Kansas City. The Athletics’ arrival marked Kansas City’s long-awaited entry into the major leagues.

Singing the National Anthem will be the Oak Ridge Boys, the same group who performed before game seven of the 1985 World Series, Kansas City’s only world championship and its last appearance in the postseason.

Among many former Royals who will be introduced in pregame ceremonies will be Paul Splittorff, Dennis Leonard and George Brett.