Kansas City Royals: Top Twenty Hitters In Team History

Oct 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler hits a RBI double against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning during game six of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

18. Billy Butler

Billy Butler was an interesting player for the Royals. Even though he never developed into the player that he was expected to be, Butler was still a solid first baseman/designated hitter for Kansas City. In fact, one could even argue that his swing, and tendency to hit line drives, were perfect for Kauffman Stadium.

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Even though Butler did not develop into the power hitter that he was expected to be, he still became a double hitting machine. As a Mark Grace or John Olerud style hitter, Butler was more than serviceable, producing a .295/.359/.449 batting line with 295 doubles.

Yet, that production is seen as disappointing. That speaks volumes to the difference between what the reality of who Butler was, and what the Royals had envisioned, became. Maybe he was not the player that would challenge Steve Balboni for the single season home run title, but Butler was still quite a good hitter in his own right.

Sometimes, expectations get set at such a high level that a player seems disappointing, even when they are putting together a solid career. That was the case with Billy Butler and the Kansas City Royals.

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