Kansas City Royals All-Time Worst 25 Man Roster

Oct 27, 1985; Kansas City, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Kansas City Royals fans celebrate after the game 7 win beating the St. Louis Cardinals 11-0 during the 1985 World Series at Royals Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Vince Coleman

During Vince Coleman’s first six years in the majors, he led the National League in stolen bases each year. That speed and stolen base ability was able to mask some of his limitations with the bat, at least for the first few years of his time with the Cardinals.

While Coleman was still able to steal bases as a solid clip when he came to the Royals, that speed was unable to cover up for his deficiencies at the plate any longer. Even though he stole 76 bases in his year and a half with the Royals, he only hit at a .259/.311/.364 rate.

As was seemingly often the case with players the Royals acquired at that time period, Coleman was about done as a major league player while in Kansas City. Following a trade to the Mariners, Coleman appeared in only 79 more games in the major leagues. Even at the AAA level, Coleman was a shell of his former self.

A great deal of Vince Coleman’s value was attached to his speed. Unfortunately, when he came to the Royals, he just was not that same dynamic leadoff man as age had taken its toll.

Now, on to the starting lineup.

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