Replacing a KC Royals legend: Amos Otis Edition

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.