Kansas City Royals all-time top 50 players: No. 10 to No. 1

No. 5) Willie Wilson, outfielder, 1976-90

When No. 6 was on base, you better be watching, because Willie Wilson had the perpetual green light and he wasn’t afraid to use it.

The Kansas City Royals’ all-time stolen base leader would run at will, instilling fear in pitchers and distracting them from hitters, leading to positive effects up and down the lineup. The 1974 first-round pick stole more than 40 bases six times, including an American League-leading 83 bases in 1979. A leadoff hitter for most of his career, Wilson set the table for some of the most prolific hitters in franchise history, hitting over .300 five times and winning the 1982 batting title. He was equally valued for his glove, winning the 1980 Gold Glove award and completing the entire 1990 season with zero errors.

No. 4) Frank White, second baseman/shortstop, 1973-90

Frank White has Kansas City baseball in his blood — 2,324 career games, all in Royal blue.

He came up to the majors via the Kansas City Royals baseball academy, a complement to the organization’s farm system that developed players for the team. White became a model of consistency throughout his career, winning eight Gold Gloves up the middle — including six in a row. He made five American League All-Star teams. He also accrued over 2,000 hits as a Royal. His No. 20 is, of course, one of only three retired by the franchise.

White’s number of post-career activities has been just as remarkable as his playing career. He was a Royals coach for five years, did color commentary for Royals TV broadcasts and is now the Jackson County Executive. White is still active in baseball today, coaching first base for the independent-league Kansas City T-Bones.