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.

Outfield – Amos Otis

Traded to the KC Royals a year after their inception, Amos Otis quickly became of the biggest stars for the Royals in the 1970s. He appeared in five all-star games, won three gold gloves, and ended up in the Royals Hall of Fame.

After leaving in the KC Royals in 1983, Otis spent one more year in the majors. He played the 1984 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but only batting .165 in 40 games.

Otis now lives in Las Vegas.

Outfield – Hal McRae

Before the later part of his career in which he played designated hitter, Hal McRae played the outfield for the KC Royals.

One of the better hitters in the history of the franchise, McRae wasn’t just know for his on-field accomplishments. Concluding his career, McRae spent time as a coach in the KC Royals and Montreal Expos organizations. This later helped him land a position as manager of the KC Royals.

We all have seen this.

McRae didn’t have the success he had as a player during his managerial tenures with the Kansas City Royals and Tampa Bay Rays, compelling a winning percentage of .458.

As for other than managing, McRae spent time as a hitting coach for the Reds, Phillies, Rays, and Cardinals. He stepped away from the game in 2009.

McRae is currently retired, calling Florida his home.

Outfield – Al Cowens

Great with the glove and steady with the bat, Al Cowens will always be known as one of the premier outfielders in KC Royals history.

After his six seasons with the KC Royals, Cowens spent the 1980 season with the California Angels and Detroit Tigers.

Cowens last played for the Seattle Mariners in 1986, only playing in 28 games that year.

After his career, Cowens became a scout for the Kansas City Royals.

Sadly, on March 11, 2002 in Downey California, Cowens pasted away from a heart attack. He is buried in Inglewood, California.

Catcher – Darrell Porter

Even though he only spent a short time with the team, Darrell Porter will always be one of the best Royals to sit behind him home plate. Coming over in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976, Porter had some of the best years of his career in KC.

In 1979, Porter became the sixth catcher in major league history to have 100 RBI and 100 runs scored.

Shortly after that though, Porter left for the bad guys, the St. Louis Cardinals. The Royals would run into him again though, this time the 1985 World Series.

Following his time with Cardinals, Porter spent some time with the Texas Rangers.

Following his baseball career, Porter got involved in broadcasting. He was also heavily involved in the Missouri antique business.

Another tragic death, Porter died at the age of 50 in 2002 in Joplin, Missouri.

Starting Pitcher – Dennis Leonard

Another Royals Hall of Famer, Dennis Leonard is remembered as one of the most accomplished pitchers in KC Royals history.

The highlight of Leonard’s career was leading the American League in wins in 1977.

After building up a large amount of innings in his arm, injuries started to get the best of Leonard. Leonard ended up retiring in 1986.

Leonard currently lives in the Kansas City area.

Relief Pitcher – Mark Little

Best remembered in his KC Royals career for giving up the walkoff home run to Chris Chambliss in 1976 American League Championship Series. This overshadowed some of the good years Littell had in his limited time with the Royals.

In his three full seasons with the KC Royals, Littell posted ERAs of 2.08, 3.61, and 2.79. He also went 20-16 in this time.

Involved in a deal that brought Al Hrabosky to the Royals, Littell went on pitch several seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals. After his first couple of seasons there though, his numbers fell off a cliff.

Since his playing days, Littell has gotten involved in coaching. He has spent time on the coaching staffs for the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and even the Kansas Cit Royals.

Littell’s latest accomplishment is inventing a premier athletic cup called the NuttyBuddy.

Next: The Royals and Statcast