Kansas City Royals Top Ten Pitchers in Franchise History

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

8. Charlie Leibrandt

Charlie Leibrandt is mainly remembered for his struggles in the psotseason. Despite a solid 3.77 career postseason ERA and a 1.256 WHiP, he was only 1-7 in 13 career playoff appearances. Yet, without Leibrandt, it could be argued that the Royals would not have won the World Series in 1985.

Even though that 1985 team is remembered due to the pitching exploits of Bret Saberhagen, Leibrandt was just as effective. That year, he pitched to a 17-9 record with a 2.69 ERA and a 1.224 WHiP, despite striking out only 108 batters in 237.2 innings of work. His performance, although overshadowed by Saberhagen, was good enough to garner a fifth place finish in the Cy Young award balloting that season.

During his six years in Kansas City, Leibrandt was a solid starter. He posted a 76-61 record with a 3.60 ERA and a 1.315 WHiP. Even though he was not overpowering, striking out only 4.4 batters per nine innings, Leibrandt limited the damage by barely allowing a walk, as he issued only 2.6 free passes per nine.

Charlie Leibrandt was a solid starter for the Royals en route to their first World Series title. Seventh all time with an 18.7 WAR, he was better than how he is remembered.

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