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World Series cities comparison: SF and KC share a lot

The 2014 MLB World Series is already unique. This year's edition of the Fall Classic pits the upstart Kansas City Royals and the been-there-done-that-of-late San Francisco Giants in an unlikely matchup that promises to be wild. And you may not think of a city known for its BBQ and fountains to have much in common with a cosmopolitan community recognized for its progressive ways. But you'd be mistaken. On the contrary, K.C. and S.F. are alike in many ways.

For instance, did you know both are home to a pair of Slys? Rock, soul and funk pioneer Sly Stone is from the Bay Area while the current mayor of Kansas City is Sly James. A pair of prestigious filmmakers also call the respective World Series hosts home. The late Robert Altman, director of such cinematic classics as MASH and Nashville, was born in Kansas City, while the director of The Godfather franchise, Francis Ford Coppola calls Northern California home. SNL alum Rob Schneider has made numerous appearances at AT&T Park over the years while fellow former 30 Rock employee Jason Sudeikis is an avid Kansas Jayhawks fan. And while Craig "Craigslist" Newmark is a San Francisco guy, none other than Walt Disney himself hailed from the Midwest.