Kansas City Royals: Top 15 Pitchers In Losses All-Time

Kansas City Royals All-Time Loss Leaders – Number 1: Paul Splittorff (143 Losses)

There may never be a more underrated Royals’ great than Paul Splittorff.

While his numbers never jumped off the page like some of his teammates, he is the number one Royals’ player in both wins and losses. Though he was overshadowed in those early years, he would go on to not just lead the team in wins, but in starts and innings pitched as well.

Perhaps nothing better demonstrates just how close he was to the limelight that when he chose to retire. He finished his career following the 1984 season. He was so close to earning a championship ring with the Royals, but called it quits a little too early (though it was evident that the time was right).

Splittorff wasn’t done with the Royals just yet. He would go on to become the color commentator for the Royals until his death in May of 2011.

The Royals’ broadcast team put out a video on the day of his death to honor the late, great Royal.

It’s a perfect synopsis of Splittorff’s career and helped pay tribute to a Royals’ all-time great.

"“He loved the tough guy, the hard-worker, the thoughtful athelete” – Ryan Lefebvre"

This quote from the video shows just how much he cared for the scrappy and hard-working aspects of sports. The 2014-2015 Royals would have done ‘Splitt’ proud.

The 2015 World Series, much like the 1985 World Series, came just a little bit too late for Mr. Splittorff. He left in both instances, just a little too early. R.I.P. ‘Splitt’ – You are ‘Forver Royal’.

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