KC Royals All-Time Franchise Leaders In Triples

Kansas City Royals all-time franchise leaders in triples: 11. Freddie Patek

This diminutive Kansas City Royal is the first member in our top ten. Freddie Patek, who stood all of 5’5″, and weighed 148 pounds, may not even have gotten a chance to play in today’s game. Only the Astros’ Jose Altuve (5’6″, 175 pounds) is near Patek’s size, and Altuve is still bigger.

Size certainly didn’t deter Freddie Patek. In his nine seasons with the Royals, he hit five or more triples five times, including 11 in 1971. He served as the Royals starting shortstop for most their formative years.

While he wasn’t much of a home run hitter (only 28 for Kansas City), he had 261 Extra Base Hits in Kansas City. He also stole 336 bases as a Royal.

It is hard to imagine someone so small being such a productive hitter in today’s game. Even watching Altuve is kind of amusing. Patek had a terrific 14-year career, and the Royals were fortunate to have him in his prime.

Patek was a three-time All-Star, and finished sixth in the MVP balloting in 1971.

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