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

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.