Kansas City Royals: All-Time Leaders in Runs Batted In

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Freddie Patek #2 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

ROYALS ALL-TIME LEADERS IN RBI: NUMBER 19 – FREDDIE PATEK (382)

ROYALS SHORTSTOP FROM 1971 TO 1979

One of the shortest Major League Baseball players ever, 5’5″ Freddie Patek comes in at number 19 on all-time RBIs with 382. Patek was drafted by the Pirates in the 1965 MLB Draft (a 22nd round pick) and was later traded to the Royals after the 1970 season wrapped up.

Patek spent the next nine years in Kansas City and was a fan favorite during his time as a Royal. Patek’s first year in Kansas City was his best year as a Royal, as he went on to slash .267/.323/.371 and had 11 triples that year.

One of the best parts of Patek’s game was how fast the guy was. He accounted for 336 stolen bases during his nine years with the Royals and had a season high 53 in 1977.

Patek was a key member of those runs the Royals made in the 1970s and his bat and sharp defense was a reason as to why. He finished the final two years of his professional career with the California Angels, but is always going to be remembered for his time with the Royals.

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