Kansas City Royals Franchise Four Retrospective

Mandatory Credit: Charlie Neibergall/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

A few months back, when the 2015 season was just beginning, Major league Baseball announced quite the interesting concept of the Franchise Four. Essentially, fans would get to vote on their team’s Mount Rushmore of players, those four legends of the past and present whose exploits resonate throughout time. The Kansas City Royals had a solid collection of candidates, and even with those players who were snubbed, would have had a solid foursome.

Before the All-Star Game, the final results were announced. The Royals Mount Rushmore, at least for the time being, has been set. There, immortalized as the four greatest Royals players, are George Brett, the most obvious name to be included. We have Dan Quisenberry, the submarine pitcher who baffled hitters with his variety of slow pitches and ground ball tendencies. Along side the late Quisenberry, we have Bret Saberhagen, perhaps the best starting pitcher the Royals have had. And finally, Frank White, the great second baseman who may be the second best player in Royals history.

It is certainly a collection of players that any team would be proud of. It is also a reminder of another time, back when the Royals were the model franchise in baseball. Here, we see the luminaries of the Golden Era of Royals baseball, once again given a moment in the spotlight and having their accomplishments recounted.

And so, let us fond look back at the careers of these greats, and remember their time with the Kansas City Royals one more time.

Next: Still the Face of the Franchise

Dan Quisenberry

My favorite baseball player growing up, and the reason why I became a Kansas City Royals fan despite living in the heart of Red Sox country, Dan Quisenberry was quite the unique player. A submarine pitcher who relied upon pinpoint control and an uncanny ability to generate ground balls, Quisenberry would often poke fun at his pitching style, once stating that his style of pitching was to lull batters into a false sense of security.

Yet, despite his lack of overpowering stuff, there is no question that Quisenberry was the most dominant closer in baseball during his peak. From 1980 through 1985, Quisenberry won the Rolaids American League Relief Pitcher of the Year award five times, made three All-Star Games, had four top ten MVP finishes and was in the top three for the Cy Young Award another four times. Not bad for a pitcher who once stated that he did not fear losing his fastball, because he didn’t have one.

During that peak, Quisenberry was just about untouchable, posting a 2.45 ERA and a 1.087 WHiP while recording 212 saves. He had only 57 unintentional walks in 724.2 innings, causing the best that the major leagues had to offer to hit the ball straight into the ground. Overall, Quisenberry finished his Royals career with 238 saves, a 2.55 ERA and a 1.150 WHiP. He was certainly a unique pitcher, even for his era.

The Kansas City Royals have a tradition of having excellent closers, starting with the Dan Quisenberry era. As the first of those lights out relievers, Quiz will now be remembered for more than his submarine delivery and excellent wit.

Next: The roller coaster ride

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Bret Saberhagen

Bret Saberhagen was a very interesting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals. When he was on, Saberhagen was nigh on unhittable. When he was off, however, Saberhagen was just about league average. Of course, during those early years on the Royals, it was fairly easy to know which Saberhagen they would get, as he was brilliant during odd numbered years while struggling the following season.

Even during those dominant years, Saberhagen’s career was a bit peculiar. During the two seasons that he won a Cy Young award, in 1985 and 1989, Saberhagen did not make the All-Star Team. His snubbing in 1989, when he led the American League with 23 wins, a 2.16 ERA, a 0.961 WHiP and 262.1 innings, was truly remarkable. Did Mike Henneman or Jeffrey Leonard really deserve to make the All-Star Team more than Saberhagen? #VoteSabes!

Through his time with the Royals, Saberhagen established himself as arguably the best starting pitcher in team history. He produced a 110-78 record during his time in Kansas City, with a 3.21 ERA and a 1.134 WHiP, the second best mark in Royals history. Just imagine what he could have done if he managed to find some semblance of consistency during those early years.

Bret Saberhagen may not be the all time Kansas City Royals leader in any of the individual pitching categories, but there is no question that he was a truly dominant starter. Add in his epic performance during Game Seven of the 1985 World Series, and Saberhagen was an easy choice for the Royals Mount Rushmore.

Next: Perhaps the second best player in Royals history

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Frank White

Excluding the incomparable George Brett, if one was to debate the greatest player in Kansas City Royals history, it would be quite the interesting topic of discussion. While the case could be made for any number of candidates, including the likes of Willie Wilson, Amos Otis and Jeff Montgomery, as well as Quisenberry or Saberhagen, that title may belong to Frank White.

A player whose career compares favorably with Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski, White never received that same level of attention after his career. However, that is not to say that he did not receive any accolades during his playing days, as White won eight Gold Glove awards, was a five time All-Star and won the 1986 Silver Slugger award.

With an incredible 126 defensive runs saved at second, the second most in the history of baseball, White was essentially peerless with the glove. Yet, he was far more than a defensive second baseman, producing a solid .255/.293/.383 batting line in an era where players like Rafael Belliard saw regular playing time. White finished his career with 2006 hits, 407 doubles, 160 home runs and 178 stolen bases, proving to be one of the better offensive second bassemen of his time.

Frank White may not have received enough love when it came to his Hall of Fame candidacy, but his career still resonates with Kansas City Royals fans. Perhaps, at some point, we can even get to see White back at Kauffman Stadium.

Next: Kansas City Royals Pursuing Johnny Cueto