The 2005 Kansas City Royals season began on April 4 and ended October 2. The Royals competed and finished 5th in the American League Central with a record of 56 wins and 106 losses, 43 games behind first place Chicago White Sox. With 106 losses, the Royals set a record for the most losses in a single season in franchise history, and their third 100-loss season in 4 years. The 2005 Kansas City Royals were plagued by abysmal pitching and an anemic offense, and to date have one of the worst Major League Baseball season records of all-time. On August 31, the Royals became the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention.