Kansas City Royals Top Five Shortstops

credit: kansascity.com

3. U.L. Washington (1977-1984, 7.6 WAR)

Back in the early days of the Kansas City Royals, they created a baseball academy, finding athletes and teaching them to play baseball. Several players from the academy ended up making the major leagues, including Frank White and U.L. Washington.

Washington, known for the toothpick hanging from his mouth in place of the blade of grass he preferred, ended up becoming the Royals starting shortstop during the midst of their run among the best in the American League. Teaming with former Academy teammate White as a double play combo, Washington became a solid defensive shortstop, ranking among the league leaders in runs saved in 1979 and 1981.

On offense, U.L. Washington was mainly noted for his speed. In 1980, Washington hit eleven triples to rank third in the American League, and was seventh with forty stolen bases in 1983. Overall for the Royals, he produced a .254/.316/.347 batting line with 120 stolen bases.

The Kansas City Royals Baseball Academy may have been decades ahead of its time, but it certainly made a lasting impression in baseball. Players like U.L. Washington and Frank White, and the overall success of the program, can still be felt to this day.

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