Royals All Time All-Star Team – Part One
By David Hill
1988 Topps Big Frank White baseball card
Second Base: Frank White (5)
It is fitting that the greatest second baseman in Kansas City Royals history is also the second baseman on the All Time All-Star roster. One of the key pieces of the great Royals teams from the mid 1970’s through the mid 1980’s, White was able to do virtually anything at second for the Royals.
One of the all time greats in Kansas City baseball history, Frank White was an excellent offensive and defensive player. White, who spent his entire 18 year career with the Kansas City Royals, posted a .255/.293/.383 batting line, with 2006 hits, 160 home runs and 178 stolen bases. White even won a Silver Slugger award in 1986, when he posted a .272/.322/.465 slash line with 22 home runs and 84 RBIs.
While White was solid with the bat, he was also a stellar defensive player in Kansas City. His 21.4 defensive WAR ranks 39th all time, ahead of other excellent defensive players such as Dave Concepcion and Graig Nettles. That defensive prowess was recognized as White won eight Gold Glove awards, including six consecutive between 1977 and 1982. He was a rarity in an era of slick fielding middle infielders in that he could also swing a solid bat and was more than capable of doing damage on offense.
One of three Kansas City Royals to have their number retired, Frank White was truly one of the greats for the Royals. That greatness was on display during the All-Star Game as well, as White was a staple there during the Royals peak.