Kansas City Royals Mount Rushmore
By David Hill
Frank White (1973-1990)
Although the Kansas City Royals Baseball Academy only lasted for a few short years, Frank White has made certain that its legacy will endure.
A brilliant defensive player, White became known for his excellent glove throughout his career. He won eight Gold Glove awards, becoming one of the most decorated defensive players at his position. In his 18 year career, White saved 126 runs at second, the second most in baseball history.
While White’s defense was his calling card, his offense steadily improved throughout his career. He was a five time All Star, and the 1987 Silver Slugger at second. White had four seasons where he reached double digits in homers and steals, and eventually came to hit 22 homers in a season twice before tapering off.
Overall, White’s offensive production was decent. He had a career .255/.293/.383 batting line, hitting 407 doubles and 160 homers. White stole 178 bases, stealing 20 or more bases three times. He ended his career with 2006 hits, a tremendous total for a player who had barely played the game in his younger days.
The most successful product of the Kansas City Royals Baseball Academy, Frank White was a beloved figure amongst the fanbase. His legacy, and the legacy of the academy, will remain throughout the history of the franchise.