Kansas City Royals: The Top 5 Pitchers in Royals History

2. Dan Quisenberry

Taking the second spot on Kings of Kauffman’s list of top five pitchers in Kansas City Royals history is Dan Quisenberry.

Quiz went undrafted and signed with the Kansas City Royals in 1975. After his rookie season, Dan would later go on to be a “down under” pitcher as he would describe it, and become one of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball. It’s said he developed this delivery to make up for the lack of velocity on his pitches.

Dan was different than most relief pitchers in his time, as he didn’t have stuff that would overpower the batter. His sinker and curve were his go to’s but he also threw a changeup and the occasional knuckler. His movement on pitches caused batters to flail their bats like pool noodles when facing him. He wasn’t much of a strikeout pitcher but could spot pitches on a dime.

Quiz was a three time AL All-Star, five time AL saves leader, and a five time Rolaids Relief Man of the Year winner. The only reliever to have as many relief man of the year awards in history is Mariano Rivera. Quisenberry would also finish 2nd in Cy Young voting in 1983 and ’84, and third in the voting in 1982 and ’85. The righty went on to retire in 1990, playing his final season with the San Francisco Giants.

His career ERA with the Kansas City Royals totaled 2.55. Quisenberry was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 1998. As far as I’m concerned, Quiz should also be considered back into voting for the Hall of Fame, as he was one of the most dominant relief pitchers of his time.

Rankings in Royals Top 10 Career Pitching Leaders:

1st: ERA, BB/9

2nd: WHIP, Saves, Games Played, Games Finished

3rd: HR/9

6th: WAR for Pitchers