Kansas City Royals Mount Rushmore
By David Hill
Willie Wilson (1976-1990)
The great Kansas City Royals teams of the late 1970s and 1980s needed someone to set the table for their sluggers. Willie Wilson was a perfect fit for the job.
Although he only made two All Star Games, Wilson’s importance was felt on the Royals. His blazing speed helped him on the hard turf of Kauffman Stadium, as he turned those balls hit into the alleyways into doubles and triples. Wilson led the league in triples five times, and even managed to take the stolen base crown in 1979 before Rickey Henderson owned the category.
His greatest season came in 1980. Helping the Royals to their first World Series, he led the American League with 133 runs, 219 hits, and 15 triples. His .326/.357/.421 batting line helped him to a fourth place finish in the MVP vote, and the first of his two Silver Slugger awards.
During his time with the Royals, Wilson posted a .289/.329/.382 batting line, hitting 241 doubles and 133 triples. He stole 612 bases, and had seven seasons with more than 40 steals. His impressive speed helped him in the outfield as well, as Wilson led all AL outfielders in runs saved three times.
An important part of the Kansas City Royals offense, Willie Wilson helped set the table for the offense. His speed helped the first Golden Age of Royals baseball come to fruition.