Replacing a KC Royals legend: Amos Otis Edition

1 of 3

The KC Royals have been blessed with several outstanding center fielders, the most recent of whom was Lorenzo Cain. With any luck, Kyle Isbel may someday join that pantheon. But the best Royal to make the position his own was Amos Otis, who enjoyed a remarkable run during some of the best years in franchise history before turning over his spot to another Royals legend.

This is how it went down.

Amos Otis was the first KC Royals star

General manager Cedric Tallis, who was recently selected to the Royals Hall of Fame for his success as one of the chief architects of the expansion franchise, traded for Amos Otis following the club's inaugural 1969 season. Otis wasn't flourishing with the Mets, so the Royals sent third baseman Joe Foy to Queens for pitcher Bob Johnson and promising outfielder Otis. Over the course of the next decade, the deal turned into a steal and is one of the best the Royals have ever made.

Besides being one of the more interesting individuals in baseball history, Otis perfectly embodied the philosophy of Royals baseball. George Brett, who became Otis' teammate a few years later, is easily the best player in team history; Otis is the clear No. 2, and the duo led the Royals through much of the most successful decade in team history.

Often called "A.O.", Otis was the sidekick in his partnership with Brett, but his speed and emphasis on elite defense defined the Royal approach, building an identity that has lasted for decades, for better or worse. What made Amos Otis so special?

Let's dive into the highlights right now.

Amos Otis played well and looked good doing it

Otis was so good defensively that some seemed to believe he was coasting. The first great center fielder in club history had no time for highlight-reel diving catches because he knew if he did his job properly, he'd always be in position and have no need to dive. With his trademark speed and swagger, Otis had the talent to succeed with such an approach, and he set the tone for the next decade, patrolling the wide swath of real estate near the Royals Stadium fountains.

He was more than just a slick glove, though. Otis was a threat on the base paths, leading the aggressive Kansas City version of "Whitey Ball", a style of play favored by former Kansas City and St. Louis manager Whitey Herzog that focused on making contact, stealing bases, and playing great defense. He led the American League in steals in 1971, and in that same season accomplished the rare feat of stealing five bases in one game.

Otis was also no slouch with the bat. Not a big slugger, he combined legitimate pop with speed and a high OBP. Forty years after he played his last game, Otis still ranks fourth among the franchise's all-time home run leaders with 193, and he mastered the gaps of his home ballpark, hitting 374 career doubles and leading the AL in that category twice.

Otis was a five-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, and is a member of the Royals Hall of Fame. He played a key role in putting the franchise on the map and in the process became beloved by Kansas City fans.

But he couldn't play forever.

Willie Wilson succeeds Amos Otis with the Royals

Wilson became Otis' heir apparent, but the succession plan was gradual. Wilson debuted for Kansas City in 1978 but, because Otis wasn't quite ready to give up center field, had to make himself a home in left. Unfortunately, a hand injury affected Otis' hitting, and he began to lose a step defensively; even he couldn't outrun Father Time.

Otis started the 1980 season on the Disabled List, allowing the Royals to get a look at Wilson in center. Wilson didn't disappoint, but moved back to left when Otis returned for one last Royal hurrah.

The Royals finally overcame the Yankees to make the World Series in 1980, but their first Fall Classic appearance didn't go well. Brett was famously hampered by hemorrhoids, Wilson struggled mightily, and they lost to Philadelphia in six games.

But Otis was fantastic, recording a .478 average with three home runs and seven RBI. Sadly, it was his last shot at a Kansas City championship — he wasn't a Royal when KC won it all in 1985.

He did have a couple of good years, however. He was still good in 1981 and '82, albeit in fewer games as he battled injuries and competed against Wilson for playing time. But he hit a wall in 1983 and, seeing the writing on that wall, signed with the Pirates after the season ended and played with them until they released him late in the '84 season. He never played again.

Wilson became the Royals' man in center field, and in many ways was superior to his predecessor. Worthy of much praise and a legend in his own right, Wilson will always be my quintessential Royals center fielder, but for my dad and his generation, it will always be Otis. For my older sons, the nod goes to Cain. But despite a chain of outstanding center fielders stretching across the franchise's history, no one embodied the role quite like Otis.

Replacing a KC Royals legend: Amos Otis Edition

Amos Otis was the first KC Royals star

Amos Otis played well and looked good doing it

Willie Wilson succeeds Amos Otis with the Royals

Other recent stories about the KC Royals

Schedule