KC Royals All-Time Franchise Leaders In Triples
By Joel Wagler
14. player. 7. Eight Seasons – 1977-1984. SS. 28. U.L. Washington
Kansas City Royals all-time franchise leaders in triples: 14. U.L. Washington
During many of the glory years in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, U.L. Washington played shortstop for the KC Royals, all the while chewing on his trademark toothpick.
Washington was a speed guy, as his 120 stolen bases indicate, so it isn’t surprising he would make the list, even though he wasn’t a terrific hitter (.254 career batting average).
Those teams were built on speed, and Washington was one of many who took advantage of those big gaps and artificial turf in Kauffman Stadium, then known as Royals Stadium.
Even so, 11 of his 28 triples came in one season – 1980 – which was by far his best season in his career, overall and for hitting triples.
Washington is certainly a player that sticks in one’s mind as a part of the whole on some great teams, more so than as an individual. He wasn’t a star, but he added to the bigger puzzle. Still, 11 of his 28 triples came in one season – 1980 – which helped him make this countdown.