KC Players of the 1970s: Where Are They Now?

It didn’t take long after the inception of the KC Royals in 1969 for an American League powerhouse to develop. Though they didn’t win a World Series in this decade, this was easily the most consistent stretch in this franchise’s history.

This is the first installment of KoK’s “Where are they now” series. We will go decade by decade and look back on some of the most memorable KC Royals and find out what they’ve been up to lately.

First Base – John Mayberry

Easily the main first baseman for the KC Royals in the 1970s, John Mayberry lapped other first baseman for the Royals in WAR during the 1970s. Mayberry accumulated 21.8 WAR in this decade, with Tony Solaita coming far behind in second at 3.8.

John Mayberry was known for three things as a hitter. Home runs, walks, and strikeouts. His BB% was easily first among KC Royals batters during the 1970s.

After his career with the KC Royals, Mayberry spent time with the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees. His best post-Royals season was in 1979, when he posted a wRC+ of 122.

After dealing playing time, Mayberry decided to call it quits. He still stuck around baseball, working as an assistant to the Toronto Blue Jays farm system.

Mayberry then came back to live in Kansas City, even spending time working in the Royals Community Affairs department.

His son, also named John Mayberry, had a decent career in the majors.

Second Base – Cookie Rojas

Saving Frank White for the 1980s installation, I went to go look what Cookie Rojas had been up to.

Rojas gave to the newly enshrined Royals as a veteran in 1970. He spent a huge chunk of his career in Kansas City. These were some of his best years to, as he made the all-star game his first four years as a Royal. That led to Rojas being one of the better second baseman in KC Royals franchise history.

After his playing career ended in 1977, Rojas spent some time as a scout and coach for various teams. Then, in 1988, Rojas became the third Cuban-born manager in MLB history, being hired by the Angels. He managed them only one season, leading them to a 75-79 record.

After his managing days, Rojas filled roles as an assistant coach for the Florida Marlins and New York Mets in the 1990s. He ended his coaching career in 2002 as third base coach for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Rojas is still involved in baseball though. He is currently the Spanish TV color commentator for the Miami Marlins.