Kansas City Royals Countdown: Top 10 Outfielders

8. Johnny Damon (1995-2000, 17.3 WAR)

As mentioned before, the Kansas City Royals had an incredible trio of outfielders—Dye, Damon and Beltran—to start the new millennium. We have already discussed Dye, who missed out on the top-10 list. Now, we will look at Damon. (Don’t worry, we will get to Beltran eventually.)

Before he was winning world championships with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, Damon made a name for himself in Kansas City. The left-handed Damon began his career with the Royals after being taken in the first round of the 1992 draft.

Damon walked more than he struck out in 1999 and 2000.

After making his debut in 1995, Damon quickly became a force at the dish and on the base paths. He swiped at least 25 bags four times during his tenure with the Kansas City Royals.

In his final year with the Royals, Damon led the league in runs scored (136) and stolen bases (46). His plate discipline was impeccable, as well. Damon walked more than he struck out in 1999 and 2000.

After leaving Kansas City, Damon spent one season in Oakland before joining Boston. He won the 2004 World Series with the Red Sox, while also making two All-Star teams. In 2006, he joined the rival Yankees and added a second ring in 2009.

Damon spent his final three seasons in Detroit, Tampa Bay and Cleveland, respectively. The final game of his career, fittingly, came against the Kansas City Royals in 2012.