Kansas City Royals Franchise Four Retrospective

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.

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