Kansas City Royals 40th Anniversary Team

In 2009 the Kansas City Royals are celebrating their 40^th Anniversary as members of the American League. They entered the league as an expansion team in 1969, less than 10 years later they were one of the top teams in the league. They won three straight division titles from 1976-1978. In 1980 they won the American League Pennant and in 1985 they were crowned World Champions. Here is a look at the greatest players by position for the Kansas City Royals over their 40 year history.

1B John Mayberry (1972-1977) John Mayberry was acquired by the Royals from the Houston Astros prior to the 1972 season. In six seasons with the Royals Mayberry would hit 143 home runs and drive in 552 runs. His 143 home runs rank 6^th in Royals history and 1^st among Royals first baseman. His best season was 1975 when he would finish 2^nd in the American League MVP balloting when he hit 34 home runs and drove in 119 runs. His 34 home runs in 1975 were at the time the most hit in a season by a Royal player. He was also selected to the American League All-Star team in 1973 and 1974.

2B Frank White (1973-1990) One of the most popular players in Kansas City history, White played his entire 18 year career with the Royals. He won the Gold Glove Award at second base eight times and was named to five different All-Star teams. Frank White played in 2324 games for the Royals, the 2^nd most in club history. He hit 160 home runs and drove in 886 runs for the Royals.

3B George Brett (1973-1993) George Brett is the greatest player in Royals history. He is the franchises all-time leader in games played (2707), runs scored (1583), hits (3154), doubles (665), triples (137), home runs (317) and RBI's (1595). He also holds the Royals single season record for batting average with .390 in 1980. He was voted the American League Most Valuable Player in 1980. George Brett was also the inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.

SS Fred Patek (1971-1979) In 9 seasons with the Royals Fred Patek played in 1245 games the most ever by a Royal shortstop. He accumulated 1036 hits and scored 571 runs. He was also a threat on the base paths stealing 336 bases.

OF Amos Otis (1970-1983) In 17 seasons with the Royals, Amos Otis hit 193 home runs and drove in 992 runs both good for 3^rd all-time in Royals history. He also had 1977 hits and 1074 runs scored. He was selected to five all-star teams, 1970,1971,1972,1973 and 1976. He also won three gold glove awards in 1971, 1973 and 1974.

Willie Wilson (1976-1990) Willie Wilson is the Royals all-time leader in stolen bases with 612. He also holds the Royals single season record for hits in a season with 230 in 1980. Wilson finished his Royals career with 1968 hits, 40 home runs and 509 RBI's. He was elected to two all-star teams in 1982 and 1983 and won the gold glove award in 1980.

Carlos Beltran (1998-2004) Carlos Beltran was voted the American League Rookie of the Year in 1999 when he hit 22 home runs and drove 108 runs. He drove in 100 or more runs 4 times for the Royals. For the Royals he hit 123 home runs and drove in 516 runs while batting .287. He also stole 164 bases.

C Mike McFarlane (1987-1994, 1996-1998) Mike McFarlane is the Royals all-time leader in games caught. His 103 home runs and 398 RBI's are also the most ever by a Royals catcher.

DH Hal McRae (1973-1987) Hal McRae hit .293 in his Royals career with 169 home runs (4th all-time in team history) and 1012 RBI's (2^nd all-time). In 1982 he drove in 133 runs which at the time was the most in Royals history

Starting Pitcher Dennis Leonard (1974-1983, 1985-1986) Dennis Leonard won 144 games for the Kansas City Royals. He won 20 or more games three times for the Royals and holds the franchise record for most complete games with 103 and 23 shutouts. He also holds the Royals single season record for most strikeouts with 244 in 1977.

Manager Dick Howser (1981-1986) Dick Howser is 2^nd all-time in team history with 404 wins, but he did lead the Royals to their only World Series title in 1985. He also holds the Royals record for most games managed with 770.