Royals All Time All-Star Team – Part Two

courtesy of Pintrest.com

Outfield: Amos Otis (5)

Leading the way amongst Royals outfielders, we find Amos Otis. Stolen from the New York Mets on December 3, 1969 for Joe Foy, Otis became a mainstay in the Royals outfield for the next fourteen years. Foy, meanwhile, played 99 games for the Mets in 1970 and another 41 games for the Washington Senators before ending his time in the major leagues.

During his time in Kansas City, Otis was another solid power/speed player. He produced a .280/.347/.433 batting line with 193 home runs and 340 stolen bases. Otis lead the American League in doubles twice and in stolen bases once, as he swiped 52 bags in 1971. His offensive contributions led to Otis appearing in the top ten of the MVP balloting on four occasions, finishing as high as third on the ballot in 1973.

However, Amos Otis was more than just a solid hitter for the Royals. Otis was also one of the best defensively in center during the 1970’s as well, winning three Gold Glove awards from 1971 through 1974. Throughout his career, Otis consistently ranked amongst the league leaders in outfield assists from center, range factor and fielding percentage. His 118 assists as a center fielder ranks 19th all time, and his 31 double plays as a center fielder is twelfth best.

One of the top players during the Royals impressive run from the middle of the 1970’s, Otis was one of the better outfielders in the game. he certainly has a case, and the All-Star appearances, to say that he was the best outfielder the Royals have had.