1969 Kansas City Royals

BR Team Page

Record: 69-93, Finished 4th in AL Western Division (1969 AL)

Managed by Joe Gordon

Coaches: Harry Dunlop, Owen Friend, Mel Harder, and Jo-Jo White

Ballpark: Municipal Stadium

History, Comments, Contributions

The 1969 Kansas City Royals were the first edition of the team created by the expansion of 1969, but the Kansas City Athletics had played their last season in Kansas City only two years before.

Like the 1867 team, the 1969 Royals team was very young. Five regulars were rookies, as were three starting pitchers. One of the rookies, outfielder Lou Piniella, acquired in a spring training trade with the Seattle Pilots, was named the winner of the 1969 American League Rookie of the Year Award. Only one regular was older than 30, and the oldest starting pitcher was 26. Only two position players and three pitchers were older than 30.

Awards and Honors

• All-Star: Ellie Rodriguez
• AL Rookie of the Year Award: Lou Piniella
• Topps All-Star Rookie Team: Bill Butler (LhP) and Lou Piniella (OF)

1969 Opening Day Lineup

Lou Piniella, cf

Jerry Adair, 2b

Ed Kirkpatrick, lf

Joe Foy, 3b

Chuck Harrison, 1b

Bob Oliver, rf

Ellie Rodriguez, c

Jackie Hernandez, ss

Wally Bunker, p